The ballot is set for the Nov. 4, 2025 Regular Local Election, with candidates in Questa, Red River, and the Questa Independent School District filing paperwork to run for council, judicial, and school board positions. The filing deadline was Aug. 26, 2025.
Questa Municipal Election
Two seats on the Questa Village Council, two seats will be decided. Running in each are:
• Brent P. Jaramillo
• Daryl J. Ortega
For Municipal Judge, Michael G. Rael is on the ballot running unopposed.
Red River Municipal Election
Four candidates are competing for Red River Town Council seat two:
• Justin David Brandenburg
• James Michael Nail Jr.
• Brian L. Waltz
• Angela S. Howles-Black
For Red River Municipal Judge, Cimarron Dugas has filed and is running unopposed.
Questa Independent School District
Four community members are seeking three open school board positions:
• Michael R. Cordova
• Valerie Guadalupe Muñoz Ortega-Vigil (Valerie Vigil)
• Jason P. Rael
• Jose C. Lovato
The Regular Local Election is a statewide, nonpartisan election that includes municipal officers, school board members, and other local governing bodies. In small towns such as Questa and Red River, these offices shape day-to-day life—deciding budgets, guiding infrastructure, and setting educational priorities.
The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, with early voting and absentee ballot options available through the Taos County Clerk’s office. Visit https://www.taoscounty.org/175/Bureau-of-Elections for more information.
