ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Albuquerque City Councilor Klarissa Peña will continue representing District 3 after challenger Teresa Garcia conceded Thursday in one of the city’s closest races this election season.
According to data from the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office, Garcia lost by only 69 votes—just three short of triggering an automatic recount. While Garcia considered funding a recount, she said the cost made it impossible.
“As a single mother still carrying campaign debt, I can’t ask my community to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for a recount that is going to come up with the same result,” Garcia said during her announcement.
Garcia called Peña to concede and urged her supporters to stay engaged, saying, “District 3 made its voice heard loudly. Clearly. Courageously. The system may not be working for us just yet but we are not done fighting.”
Peña issued a statement thanking Garcia and pledging to focus on major projects in her next term, including completing the Westgate Community Center, advancing Phase II of the Southwest Public Safety Center, and supporting the Route 66 Centennial.
“I’m ready to unite District 3 and get back to work,” Peña said. “The outpouring of support from families across the Southwest Mesa has been overwhelming and I am deeply grateful.”
Peña’s win caps a strong election for incumbents. The only newcomer to the council will be Stephanie Telles, who won the District 1 seat vacated by Louie Sanchez as he runs for mayor.
