Early Voting Begins for Rio Rancho Mayoral Runoff

Voters will choose between Paul Wymer and Alexandria Piland to become the city's first new mayor in a decade.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:05pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary ballot box on a table in a dimly lit room, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the importance of local elections.As Rio Rancho residents head to the polls, the mayoral runoff election represents a pivotal moment of civic engagement and political change for the city.Rio Rancho Today

Early voting has begun for the Rio Rancho mayoral runoff election, where voters will decide between candidates Paul Wymer and Alexandria Piland to become the city's first new mayor in 10 years. The runoff is being held because no candidate received a majority of votes in the initial March 3 election.

Why it matters

The Rio Rancho mayoral race is an important local election that will shape the city's leadership and priorities for the next several years. The runoff between Wymer and Piland represents a choice between two distinct visions for the city's future.

The details

Early voting for the Rio Rancho mayoral runoff will last from March 31 to April 11, with election day on April 14. Voters will choose between Paul Wymer and Alexandria Piland, the two candidates who received the highest number of votes in the initial March 3 election but did not reach the 50% threshold to win outright.

  • Early voting began on March 31, 2026.
  • Early voting will continue through April 11, 2026.
  • Election day is on April 14, 2026.

The players

Paul Wymer

One of the two candidates in the Rio Rancho mayoral runoff election.

Alexandria Piland

One of the two candidates in the Rio Rancho mayoral runoff election.

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What they’re saying

“This election will be a pivotal moment for Rio Rancho as we choose our next mayor and chart the course for the city's future.”

— Paul Wymer, Mayoral Candidate

“I'm excited to engage with voters and share my vision for a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous Rio Rancho.”

— Alexandria Piland, Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

The winner of the April 14 runoff election will be sworn in as the new mayor of Rio Rancho.

The takeaway

The Rio Rancho mayoral runoff represents a pivotal choice for the city's future, with voters deciding between two distinct visions and leadership styles. The outcome will have a significant impact on the city's priorities and direction for years to come.