Voters in Questa and Red River will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, for the Regular Local Election. The ballot includes races for village and town councils, municipal judges, and school board seats.

In Questa, two candidates are running unopposed for two open seats on Questa Village Council: Brent P. Jaramillo and Daryl J. Ortega. Michael G. Rael is running unopposed for Municipal Judge.

Red River voters will decide a four-way race for Town Council Seat 2, with Justin Brandenburg, Michael Nail Jr., Brian L. Waltz, and Angela S. Howles-Black on the ballot. Cimarron Dugas is unopposed for Municipal Judge.

The Questa Independent School District has three school board seats up for grabs. Four candidates are vying for those positions: Michael R. Cordova, Valerie Vigil (Valerie Guadalupe Muñoz Ortega-Vigil), Jason P. Rael, and Jose C. Lovato.
The Regular Local Election is a statewide, nonpartisan contest that determines local governing bodies, including municipal officers and school board members. In rural communities like Questa and Red River, these elected leaders influence budgets, infrastructure priorities, and educational direction.

Residents can find information about voter registration, ballots, and how to cast their votes by visiting the Taos County Clerk’s Bureau of Elections website at https://www.taoscounty.org/175/Bureau-of-Elections.
We reached out to each of the candidates on the ballot to ask them why they decided to run for office and what they hope to accomplish if elected.

Brent Jaramillo
Incumbent Village of Questa Council Member, Candidate for Village of Questa Councilman
Village Councilor Brent Jaramillo is seeking another term on the Questa Village Council in the Nov. 4 Regular Local Election, citing his long-standing commitment to public service and belief in the power of local government to strengthen communities.

“Serving the community of Questa is not just a responsibility, it’s a calling,” Jaramillo said. “I believe in the power of good governance to improve lives, and I want to continue contributing to the progress and well-being of our village.”
Jaramillo described the role of councilor as a cornerstone of local leadership, where elected officials shape the direction of the village through policymaking, collaboration, and long-term planning.

If reelected, Jaramillo said his priorities include revising the village’s zoning ordinance to better reflect community needs, supporting workforce housing for local families, encouraging business development to expand economic mobility, and beautifying village streets.

“I respectfully ask voters to vote for me because I believe deeply in the possibilities that lie ahead for the Village of Questa,” he said. “We are a resilient and resourceful community, and I want to be part of shaping a future that reflects our values, our hopes, and our potential.”

Michael Rael
Incumbent Questa Municipal Judge, Candidate for Questa Municipal Judge
Michael G. Rael, who has served as Questa’s municipal judge for 25 years, is running for reelection in the Nov. 4 Regular Local Election. He is currently running unopposed.

Rael said his decision to continue serving stems from his deep connection to his hometown and its residents. “I love my hometown. I love these people,” he said. “I don’t view my job as punishing people, but as trying to help them.”
He added that many residents come to him for guidance on issues such as lost driver’s licenses or other municipal matters, and he takes pride in helping them navigate the process.

Rael credited his staff for supporting the smooth operation of the court. “I am very fortunate to have Rene as my clerk and Dina as my alternate,” he said. “We run the court efficiently, and it allows me to focus on being fair and serving the community.”

In addition to his judicial duties, Rael serves on the Municipal League Board of Directors, an organization he called critical to supporting towns and villages across New Mexico.

“My job is not glamorous, sometimes downright unglamorous, but I love being a judge and what I have accomplished for the last 25 years,” Rael said, praising the collaboration of village staff and local police in serving the community.

Brian Waltz

Brian Waltz is a candidate for Red River Town Council

Brian Waltz is a longtime Red River resident and business leader has announced his candidacy for Red River Town Council, citing a commitment to strengthening communication, housing opportunities and financial stewardship in the mountain town.

The candidate, who recently completed a three-year term as president of the Red River Chamber of Commerce, said he delayed running in the previous election to finish his service with the Chamber.

“Over the past few years, I’ve grown both personally and professionally, gaining leadership experience and a deeper understanding of our community’s needs,” he said. “Now, I’m ready to bring that energy, experience and commitment into a new role, serving Red River as a member of the Town Council.”

He emphasized the importance of the council’s role in representing the interests of residents, businesses and visitors, while ensuring that Red River maintains its “unique character and well-being.”

If elected, his top priorities would include improving communication between the council, town staff, local businesses and residents; addressing workforce and affordable housing needs; ensuring smart financial management; and strengthening marketing efforts to keep Red River a year-round destination.

“As a member of the lodging community, I believe it’s important that our industry has a voice on the council,” he said. “Tourism is the heart of Red River’s economy, and having someone who understands the realities of that world will help guide decisions that benefit our businesses and town.”

He added that clear communication and teamwork will be central to his approach, even when council members disagree.

The candidate, who has lived in Red River for more than 33 years, said his deep roots and record of service in schools, churches, nonprofits and the town itself have shaped his readiness to lead.

“Red River is more than just where I live, it’s part of who I am,” he said. “I care about the future of our community, and I want to continue giving back to the place that raised me.”

Michael Nail Jr.
Candidate for Red River Town Council
Michael Nail Jr. is running for Red River’s Town Council Seat 2 in the Nov. 4 Regular Local Election, emphasizing unification, accountability, and representing the best interests of residents.

Nail said his decision to run stems from a desire to give residents a strong voice in local government. “We need people in leadership that represent the best interest of the people,” he said. “I will also be running for mayor again in two years, and it’s essential to get elected to a council seat to learn more about policy and municipal operations.”

He described the role of councilor as a position of trust. “We are elected because the taxpayers trust that you will represent them to the best of your ability,” Nail said. He added that promoting equality and ensuring rules apply fairly to all residents is a top priority.

If elected, Nail said his goals include fostering unification within the town and bringing a “breath of fresh air” to Red River government. He highlighted honesty, integrity, and accountability as reasons voters should support him.

Justin Brandenburg
Candidate for Red River Town Council
Justin David Brandenburg is seeking election to Red River’s Town Council Seat 2 in the Nov. 4 Regular Local Election, saying he hopes to bring a fresh perspective and a positive approach to local government.

Brandenburg said his goals include meeting the needs of residents, supporting local business owners, and improving the experience for visitors to the town. “I will be there to achieve the goals that my constituents would like for me to achieve,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and fostering new ideas to guide the future of the Red River community.

Angela Howles-Black
Candidate for Red River Town Council
Angela Howles-Black is running for Red River’s Town Council in the Regular Local Election, pledging to continue the town’s progress while focusing on unity, housing, and infrastructure.

Howles-Black said she decided to run to help bring the community together and ensure Red River stays on a successful path. “We have achieved so much over the last several years, and I’m committed to building on this progress while keeping our shared future in mind,” she said.

She described the role of a councilor as one that gives residents a voice in shaping Red River’s future. “It’s about listening, uniting the community, and making thoughtful choices that keep our town strong for generations to come,” she said.
If elected, her priorities include expanding affordable housing options, improving and updating town infrastructure, and modernizing ordinances to reflect today’s needs. She also wants to create an atmosphere where families can thrive while preserving the spirit that makes Red River unique to both residents and visitors.

With a background in finance, project management, and service, Howles-Black said she brings skills to make sound financial decisions, see projects through, and stay focused on residents’ needs. “For me, serving on Town Council isn’t just about policies—it’s about people,” she said.

Jose Lovato
QISD Incumbent School Board Member, Candidate for Questa School Board
Jose Lovato, a longtime advocate for local education and a proud graduate of Questa schools, is seeking a fourth term on the Questa Independent School District Board of Education in the Nov. 4 Regular Local Election.

Lovato, who returned to Questa from Colorado with his family during a period of state intervention in the district, said that moment motivated him to run.

“When we moved back from Colorado the school was in trouble, the board was stripped and taken over, the superintendent was assigned by the State. It was so sad to see that,” Lovato said. “The only way to make a change was to join the movement and become a board member and help the school get back to what it once was and what I was so proud of.”
Since joining the board, Lovato said he has worked to help stabilize the district and wants one more term to continue that progress. His goals include completing school remodel projects, moving forward with a proposed bond if approved by voters, and securing funding for a new auxiliary gym.

“I want to assure the public that we will give the students a great place to enjoy and learn,” Lovato said. “Just because the state is near the bottom in education, there is no reason why Questa can’t set an example as to how we can be the best.”
He also stressed the need for more local control in education, as well as careful management of the district’s shrinking budget.

“I can only humbly ask the people of the Questa School District to continue to support me and to trust that when I make a decision it is always in the best interest of the students and the staff,” he said.
Lovato said he views community involvement as central to progress in Questa schools. “The only way to make a change is to get involved. The only way to improve and make a community stronger is to be the change,” he said.

Michael Cordova
QISD Incumbent School Board Member, Candidate for Questa School Board
Michael Cordova is seeking reelection to the Questa Independent School District Board of Education in the Nov. 4 Regular Local Election, saying he wants to continue work on student achievement, facilities, and stronger communication within the district.

Cordova, who has served on the board for the past four years, said he believes there is still “important work to do together.” His priorities include improving test scores, exploring the possibility of a new school or major remodel, and supporting growth across the district.

“If re-elected, my goals include promoting positive communication between all staff and the School Board,” Cordova said. “I recognize there is a disconnect, and I believe both sides need to work together more effectively. My hope is to turn the page on past issues and move our district forward in a positive direction.”

Cordova also said he wants to increase his personal involvement by attending more school functions and athletic events. After balancing his board role, work, and parenthood, he said he now feels ready to be more present at school activities while continuing to advocate for academic growth and career readiness.

“I believe people should vote for me because I strive to see all sides of every issue and make decisions that benefit our students and our district,” Cordova said. “I listen carefully and do my best to move past negativity or past conflicts, focusing instead on building a stronger, more positive future—one where teachers want to work and students are excited to learn.”
Cordova thanked the community for trusting him during his first term and said he hopes to continue serving if reelected.

Valerie Vigil
Candidate for Questa School Board
Valerie Vigil, who is listed on the ballot as Valerie Guadalupe Muñoz Ortega-Vigil, and is running for a seat on the Questa Independent School District Board of Education in the Nov. Regular Local Election. She is the only woman on the ballot and says she hopes to bring balance, diversity, and a “kids first” perspective to the board.

“I believe that when it comes to education, our children must always come first,” Vigil said. “Every decision we make should prioritize their growth, their safety, and their success.”

Vigil said her priorities include listening to students, teachers, and parents, and ensuring their voices are reflected in district decision-making. She emphasized teamwork with current board members but stressed that progress depends on collaboration across the entire school community.

“Our district’s mission is to ‘challenge all students to accelerate their learning through rigorous instruction,’” she said. “I believe that is only possible when we listen to the people who make our schools strong: our educators, our families, and of course, our students themselves.”

Vigil said her candidacy also highlights the importance of representation. “Currently, the panel is made up entirely of men. By electing me, you are helping bring balance, diversity, and fresh viewpoints to the table,” she said.

Her campaign message centers on three commitments: “Kids First, Families Heard, Teachers Supported.” Vigil said she hopes to ensure future policies and procedures align with those priorities.

“I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote to serve on the school board,” she said.

Jason Rael
QISD Incumbent School Board Member, Candidate for Questa School Board
Jason P. Rael is seeking reelection to the Questa Independent School District Board of Education in the Nov. 4 Regular Local Election, saying his focus is on student success, community involvement, and a proposed General Obligation Bond to build a new K–12 campus.

“Serving the past four years has been both an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously,” Rael said. “I grew up with the same values this community still holds dear—hard work, family, and faith in the future. Those values are what drive me to serve, because I believe our children deserve every opportunity to succeed.”

Rael said the proposed GO Bond, which would help fund a new school campus, is about more than infrastructure. “This is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about investing in our future,” he said, adding that a modern campus would provide updated technology, safe classrooms, and community pride.

If reelected, Rael said his priorities include improving academic outcomes by supporting teachers, increasing opportunities for extracurricular activities, and encouraging stronger community involvement through advisory committees, volunteer efforts, and open communication.

“Why should you vote for me? Because I care deeply about Questa, its families, and its future,” he said. “I am not a politician; I am a neighbor, a parent, and someone who believes that strong schools build strong communities.”
Rael, who has served one term on the board, said he hopes to continue bringing honesty, accountability, and experience to the role.

Candidates Daryl Ortega, Brian Waltz and Cimmaron Dugas did not respond to our requests for comment.
A Candidate Forum for the Red River Candidates will be held on Oct. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Red River Conference Center. The event is free and open to the public.