BY SAM LEDOUX
Española City Councilor
District 4

Over the last year or so I have been approached by many city residents and stakeholders to run for Mayor of Española in 2026. After much thought and prayer I have decided that it is not the right time for me. Kiele and I are just starting to build our lives together and hope to start a family soon. I also want to be more present in the lives of my aging grandparents and available to my mother during these trying times with her illness. I know that the stress and time constraints of such a campaign and mayorship would test my ability to meet these responsibilities. 

I feel the need to announce this decision and provide reasoning because I know there are a couple of good people who are thinking of throwing their hat in the ring but are concerned that I may do so. Española desperately needs new leadership, the years under the Vigil administration have wreaked havoc on the stability of our city. We need a Mayor who will understand that it may take their entire term to undo this damage. Council just narrowly passed a budget that I believe is not realistic about the future GRT revenue and I know that we will need to make extremely difficult decisions ahead. The next Mayor will have all the knowledge and energy I can spare to get us back on the right track. I love this city, I want to raise my kids here and build my life here. I will continue to do what I can to keep the promises I made to the people of district 4 about making Española safer, stronger, and better. God bless the Española Valley.