06/03/2026
Congratulations to all of our Democratic nominees following Tuesday’s Primary Election! 🎉
We’re incredibly proud of the strong turnout and support shown for Democratic candidates across Valencia County. For a county that has often been considered reliably red, these results show that Democrats are energized, engaged, and ready to compete in every corner of our community.
Congratulations to:
✅ Katherine Gauer – House District 8
✅ Rickie Gonzales – House District 7
✅ Pauline Abeyta – House District 69
✅ Sharalaina Piro-Rael – County Commission District 1
✅ Karla Laurie – County Commission District 3
✅ Alan Montaño – Sheriff
✅ Torres Leyba – Assessor
✅ Pedro Rael – Probate Judge
✅ Rorik Rivenburgh – Magistrate Judge Div 3
We also want to thank every candidate who stepped forward to run, whether they won or lost. Campaigns require tremendous courage, sacrifice, and commitment to public service. Our party is stronger because of everyone who was willing to put their name on the ballot and engage voters in important conversations about our future.
Now it’s time to come together.
Primary elections can be passionate and competitive, and this year’s statewide races were no exception. But as Democrats, we share far more in common than what divides us. The challenges facing our communities are bigger than any one campaign, and the work ahead will require all of us—candidates, volunteers, activists, and voters—working side by side.
As we head toward the General Election, we invite every Democrat, regardless of who you supported in the primary, to unite behind our shared values: protecting our freedoms, supporting working families, strengthening our schools, expanding opportunity, and building a Valencia County where everyone can thrive.
Thank you to every voter, volunteer, candidate, and supporter who participated in this election. The primary is over. The real work begins now.
Let’s move forward together and carry this momentum into November. 💙
