2026 Primary Election
Voters choose Montano, Rowland to run for sheriff
Julia M. DendingerNews-Bulletin Assistant Editor
Published June 3, 2026 - 12:30 p.m. Modified June 3, 2026 - 12:34 p.m.
The 2026 primary election is in the books and the unofficial numbers are out.
The results won’t be considered official until they are canvassed by both the Valencia County Commission and New Mexico Secretary of State, ….
Valencia County Sheriff
On the Democratic ticket, Alan Montano leads Gabriel Trujillo, 2,993 votes to 2,530.
The Republican side drew three candidates, and Joseph Rowland took 3,075 votes to Preston Smith’s 1,525 and Kevin Vega’s 721.
Current Valencia County Sheriff Denise Vigil couldn’t run for reelection due to term limitations. She made an apparently unsuccessful bid for the Valencia County Magistrate Judge Division 3 seat, … (click link below for more)
The race for Valencia County Sheriff has taken on added attention following recent reporting about party registration and candidacy in the Democratic primary. The Democratic ballot for Valencia County Sheriff includes Alan Fredrick Montano and Gabriel Trujillo; however, Mr. Trujillo is a registered Republican and as such, the county party recognizes that Alan Montano is the ONLY Dem in the primary.
For many local Democrats, this race is about more than a label on the ballot. It is about trust, values, and confidence that the candidate seeking Democratic support is genuinely rooted in the principles and priorities of the Democratic Party. That is why Alan Montaño is the candidate we know, recognize, and take seriously.
Democratic Party of Valencia County, writes:
Why We Do What We Do
… (continued) through education, prevention, enforcement, and engineering, resulting in a 20% decrease in DWI-related accidents countywide by leading targeted community education and enforcement initiatives. The experience as a Probation Parole Officer and facilitator for DWI Education has allowed Alan to guide first offenders toward rehabilitation, achieving a recidivism rate below the state average.
These accomplishments reflect a commitment to accountability, innovation, and measurable results. When asked why Alan wanted to be the Sheriff of Valencia County he stated simply, but passionately, “I know I can make a difference”.