A televised mayoral debate next Wednesday will spotlight just four of six active candidates for mayor of Albuquerque, but Mayling Armijo is pushing to be included, arguing voters deserve to hear from all six contenders — including the race’s only woman — while more than a third of voters remain undecided.
The Oct. 15 debate — hosted by KOAT, the Albuquerque Journal and News Radio KKOB — will feature four candidates: Mayor Tim Keller, City Councilor Louie Sanchez, former U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez and former Sheriff Darren White. Armijo and retired Fire Chief Eddie Varela are left out, even as early voting began Oct. 7 and a recent poll shows 37% of voters undecided, sparking questions about media gatekeeping in local races.
“Albuquerque voters deserve to know they have a choice in this critical mayoral election,” Armijo told City Desk. “I am concerned with KOAT’s decision to exclude myself and Eddie Varela from the upcoming Mayoral Debate.”…