Republican City Councilor Paul Wymer Wins Rio Rancho Mayoral Runoff Election

On April 14, 2026, Rio Rancho voters elected District 4 City Councilor Paul Wymer as the city’s next mayor in a runoff election, marking a continuation of leadership in the community. Wymer secured approximately 64% of the vote against his opponent, former teacher Alexandria Piland, who received about 36%, according to unofficial results from the Recent Mexico Secretary of State’s Office.

The runoff was triggered after no candidate received a majority of votes in the March 3 municipal election, where Wymer had placed first with 45% and Piland second with 27% in a six-candidate race. With more than 16,000 votes counted in the runoff—representing nearly 20% of eligible voters—turnout exceeded the 17% participation seen in the initial election.

Wymer, a registered Republican endorsed by outgoing Mayor Gregg Hull, emphasized his commitment to maintaining the city’s current trajectory. “We are going to continue on the same path as Mayor Hull,” Wymer stated following his victory, reflecting the voters’ preference for stability over change.

The election outcome preserves the Republican affiliation of Rio Rancho’s mayoral office, despite the officially nonpartisan nature of the race. Hull’s decision not to seek re-election allowed him to pursue a gubernatorial campaign as a Republican, creating the opportunity for this transition in local leadership.

As Wymer prepares to assume office, his administration will focus on building upon the policies and initiatives established during Hull’s tenure, ensuring consistency in governance for Rio Rancho residents.

Republican City Councilor Paul Wymer Wins Rio Rancho Mayoral Runoff Election

On April 14, 2026, Rio Rancho voters elected District 4 City Councilor Paul Wymer as the city’s next mayor in a runoff election, marking a continuation of leadership in the community. Wymer secured approximately 64% of the vote against his opponent, former teacher Alexandria Piland, who received about 36%, according to unofficial results from the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office.

The runoff was triggered after no candidate received a majority of votes in the March 3 municipal election, where Wymer had placed first with 45% and Piland second with 27% in a six-candidate race. With more than 16,000 votes counted in the runoff—representing nearly 20% of eligible voters—turnout exceeded the 17% participation seen in the initial election.

Wymer, a registered Republican endorsed by outgoing Mayor Gregg Hull, emphasized his commitment to maintaining the city’s current trajectory. “We are going to continue on the same path as Mayor Hull,” Wymer stated following his victory, reflecting the voters’ preference for stability over change.

The election outcome preserves the Republican affiliation of Rio Rancho’s mayoral office, despite the officially nonpartisan nature of the race. Hull’s decision not to seek re-election allowed him to pursue a gubernatorial campaign as a Republican, creating the opportunity for this transition in local leadership.

As Wymer prepares to assume office, his administration will focus on building upon the policies and initiatives established during Hull’s tenure, ensuring consistency in governance for Rio Rancho residents.