Christopher S. Garcia
County Commissioner, District I
Christopher Steven Garcia is a lifelong Valencia County resident and a proud product of its vibrant communities. Born and raised in Jarales, New Mexico, he grew up grounded in the values of hard work, faith, and service—principles that continue to guide him today.
A 2004 graduate of Belen High School, Christopher attended UNM–Valencia Campus before transferring to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 2008 and completed his master’s degree in 2011.
In 2009, Christopher married Alicia Ulibarri-Garcia. Following their marriage, he relocated to Los Lunas, where he and his family live today. Having lived in both northern and southern Valencia County, Christopher understands the diverse needs, strengths, and challenges of communities across the county. Christopher and Alicia are the proud parents of three children—Abram, Ezekiel, and Nila—and remain deeply committed to creating a strong, safe, and thriving future for all families in Valencia County.
Christopher began his teaching career in 2008 and has dedicated the past 18 years to education. For 15 of those years, he has served at Los Lunas High School, teaching English and taking on a variety of leadership roles—including Activity Director and Student Council sponsor. Through these positions, he has helped students build leadership skills, a sense of civic responsibility, and pride in their community. His experiences in the classroom have given him a firsthand understanding of what families, students, and working people face every day.
He is an active parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé and a committed member of the Knights of Columbus. His service within the parish and the organization has strengthened his dedication to helping local families and contributing to the broader community.
A member of the Republican Party, Christopher supports conservative values and common-sense solutions that respect taxpayers, strengthen families, and preserve the character that makes Valencia County a great place to live and raise a family.
As a lifelong resident, educator, community volunteer, and parent, Christopher Garcia is committed to listening to residents, working collaboratively, and serving Valencia County with integrity, dedication, and heart.
Helen Saiz
County Commissioner, District I
With more than 23 years of experience in county government, I bring a deep understanding of how local government works and how it can best serve our community. Over the course of my career, I have worked in multiple departments, including the Assessor's Office, Mapping Department, Clerk's Office, and Public Works, gaining firsthand knowledge of the daily operations. This broad experience allows me to understand how decisions made at the commission level impact every department and, most importantly, the residents we serve.
As a former county commissioner from 2014 to 2018, I proudly served as a District I County Commissioner. During my term, my fellow commissioners and I spearheaded the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the Valencia County Hospital project, helping lay the foundation for expanded healthcare access in the community. I also played an active role in advancing the Village of Los Lunas corridor improvement project, progress that residents can see taking shape today. I served as a board member for the Older Americans Program, where I helped support services that provide meals, transportation, and essential resources to senior citizens in our community. I retired from the New Mexico Department of Health and a small business owner, bringing both public- and private-sector perspectives to the table.
I am married to Ron Saiz, a veteran who honorably served 28 years in the New Mexico Air National Guard and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. Our family is deeply rooted in the community; I am a lifelong resident of Los Lunas and a 1987 graduate of Los Lunas High School. We are members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Peralta.
Known as a proven leader who gets things done, I am seeking to serve as Valencia County Commissioner for District I. I have a strong record of service and a clear passion for improving the lives of the people of Valencia County through transparency, collaboration, and putting residents first. I believe my decades of hands-on experience, knowledge, and strong commitment to this community make me well-qualified to serve the people of Valencia County.
Morris R. Sparkman
County Commissioner, District III
The grandson of a Vietnam vet, son of a volunteer firefighter and the brother of a police officer, Morris comes from a long line of public servants.
While a senior in high school, Morris received a nomination from Former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Although his nomination to West Point was a high honor, life had different plans for Morris. After graduating from Valencia High School in 2013, Morris attended the University of Denver where he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Upon graduating from the University of Denver in 2017, Morris returned home to the community that raised him, Valencia County. He began working in Bosque Farms for a local fabrication shop where he designed and built automated equipment for cleanroom environments as well as Department of Energy facilities. Currently, Morris works as an engineering manager for a DoD contractor specializing in C-UAS laser weapon systems providing national defense capabilities.
As County Commissioner for District III, Morris has delivered on commitments made including:
Completion of the Jarales Bridge Project
Construction of the County Hospital
Improved infrastructure in District III
But there’s more work to be done.
Morris is running for reelection to continue to deliver for our county. Whether it be seeing through the completion of our hospital or delivering on community parks and rec, Commissioner Sparkman is primed to leverage his current knowledge and role as Vice Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to continue to improve the lives of Valencia County residents.
Denise Vigil
Magistrate Judge, Division III
I have 25 yrs in Law Enforcement, I started my career at Los Lunas Police Department in 2001. During my time with Los Lunas Police Department I was a patrol officer, moved into the Detective Division and eventually became Detective Sergeant.
In 2015 I transferred to Valencia County Sheriff’s Office. I worked a short while in the court security division, eventually transferred into the position of a Deputy who assisted the Sheriff’s office in obtaining their Professional Standards accreditation.
In 2017 I decided to further my career and run for Sheriff. I won my seat in 2018 and am the current sitting Sheriff. After much thought and consideration I feel I have more to offer my community. I have been through many stages in the judicial processes during my career which gives me an advantage on the bench. I will serve with fairness and integrity for the people of Valencia County and follow all the rules implemented for a sitting Judge.
Joseph Rowland
Valencia County Sheriff
Joseph Rowland is a lifelong public servant with more than 27 years of law enforcement experience dedicated to protecting communities and upholding the rule of law. He began his career in 1996 as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer, serving until 2001 and deploying to Bosnia in support of IFOR operations, where he earned Military Police Officer of the Year. After his military service, he conducted security contract work in the Middle East in support of U.S. forces.
In 2003, Joseph became a Federal Agent with the National Nuclear Security Administration, stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base for ten years. In this high-risk role, he was responsible for the safety and security of nuclear weapons shipments, operating in environments that demanded precision, accountability, and leadership.
Joseph joined the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office in 2013, where he has served with distinction. He participated and supervised high-risk counter-narcotics operations, served on the regional SWAT Team, and rose to become the agency’s senior-most Lieutenant. His leadership experience includes overseeing Field Services, Criminal Investigations Division, Evidence processing, SWAT operations as regional Commander, and programs targeting repeat and violent offenders.
Now running for Valencia County Sheriff, Joseph is committed to restoring proactive policing and reducing crime rates that are nearly twice the national average. He believes in focused enforcement against repeat and violent offenders, strong partnerships at all levels of government, and a “One team, One fight” leadership philosophy. His goal is to rebuild public trust, strengthen community safety, and ensure a higher quality of life for all Valencia County residents.
Burgandy Casias
County Assessor
Burgandy Casias, a native of New Mexico, brings more than 20 years of experience in housing and mortgages to her candidacy for Valencia County Assessor. Having worked closely with families statewide, she has guided them through the home buying process with transparency, fairness, and genuine care. Her deep expertise in property values, financial accountability, and the real impact of assessments on taxpayers uniquely positions her to lead the office effectively.
As a board member of the New Mexico Mortgage Lenders Association, Burgandy has advocated for ethical practices that support both families and local communities. Her commitment extends beyond her career through active involvement in community events, charities, and local causes, where she consistently shows up with purpose and pride.
As County Assessor, Burgandy’s mission is clear: to provide fair, accurate, and transparent property assessments while making the Assessor’s office more accessible and responsive to the people of Valencia County. Valencia County can count on Burgandy to be accountable, competent, and transparent. With heart, hustle, and unwavering
Doug Turner
Governor
Doug Turner is a lifelong New Mexican who believes our state can be stronger, safer, and more prosperous when government is limited, accountable, and focused on serving people—not controlling them.
Raised in Old Town Albuquerque and educated at Albuquerque High, United World College USA, American University, and Université Libre de Bruxelles, Doug brings both deep local roots and a global perspective to the challenges facing New Mexico.
A successful entrepreneur, Doug has built and operated companies in manufacturing, construction, and land development. As founder of Agenda Global, an international strategic communications firm headquartered in New Mexico, he has worked in more
than 40 countries, advising public institutions, businesses, and security organizations. He understands firsthand the realities of payroll, regulation, and competition—and knows that real economic growth comes from the private sector, not government picking winners and losers.
Doug has also dedicated years to public service. He served eight years as Chairman of the New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission, 15 years as Chairman of Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, and currently serves as a Village of Taos Ski Valley Councilor.
A devoted father of three, Doug is running for Governor to restore accountability, strengthen families and communities, and build a freer, more prosperous future for every New Mexican.