Albuquerque voters went to the polls on December 9th to decide the Mayoral runoff and two City Council seats (District 1 and District 3).

The issues most voters cited this cycle were crime, homelessness, and the impact of encampments on neighborhood stability—issues that directly influence housing demand, investment, and property values.

Results

Mayor

• Tim Keller was re-elected, defeating challenger Darren White.

City Council

• District 1: Stephanie Telles defeated RECPAC-supported Joshua Neal.
• District 3: Klarissa Peña (also supported by RECPAC) 

Voter Concerns: Crime & Homelessness

Throughout the campaign and runoff, voter surveys and candidate messaging consistently pointed to three dominant themes:

• Persistent crime
• Visible homelessness
• The growth of encampments and associated public-safety challenges

These concerns shaped the tone of the election and are likely to influence policy decisions in the next four years.

For REALTORS® who follow neighborhood trends, buyer sentiment, and long-term investment patterns, these issues remain central to conversations about community livability and market confidence.

What These Outcomes May Signal for Housing Policy

• Continued focus from City Hall
• Mayor Keller has emphasized long-term housing strategies, homelessness services, and a “housing-first” approach. With Keller remaining in office, expect continued focus on:
  • Homeless services
  • Affordable housing initiatives
  • Housing-first strategies
  • Supportive housing projects

District 1 Shift

The change in District 1 could shift council conversations regarding:

• Encampment enforcement
• Public-safety responses
• Regulatory approaches to homelessness

District 3 Continuity

Peña’s re-election provides continuity in a district that has seen significant discussion around encampments, redevelopment, and housing affordability.

What This Means for REALTORS®

Neighborhood stability remains a top concern

Crime and homelessness have direct impact on:

• Buyer confidence
• Neighborhood desirability
• Investor interest
• Rental demand
• Property values in affected areas

Clients will continue asking REALTORS® whether public-safety conditions are improving, and whether policy direction might stabilize certain neighborhoods.

Housing supply and redevelopment

With Keller continuing into another term, REALTORS® should monitor proposals related to:

• Redevelopment incentives
• Affordable housing requirements
• Zoning or density discussions
• Supportive housing and transitional housing

Ongoing need for advocacy

RECPAC’s support in this election underscores the importance of:

• Defending private-property rights
• Advocating for practical housing solutions
• Elevating the REALTOR® voice in policy conversations
• Building productive relationships with both returning and newly-elected Council members

Even with mixed election results, continued participation is essential—especially as homelessness and crime remain the two dominant policy drivers in the City.