After delivering a state of the city speech that prompted speculation that Alan Webber just might seek a third term, the 76 year old two-term Santa Fe mayor bowed out of the race, He said he did so after "heartfelt" consultations with family and friends.
Webber suffered what was described as a"minor" heart attack in February but health was not mentioned as a reason for his departure. In fact, he did not state a specific reason.
No doubt the upcomkng campaign would have been been grueling with six opponents poised to fire away at him over the course of his administration. Still, it had to be tempting for Webber to keep going. Despite his plunge in popularity he was still seen as competitive in a fractured field.
In the wake of Webber's goodbye, we dug into the state of the race to replace him with the New Mexican, saying the contest now appears to be a "jump ball" but that City Councilor Michael Garcia may have the best shot at becoming the front-runner because of name ID and a base of support in his council district. But all the candidates are going to get a closer look.
While they breathe a sigh of relief that Webber's decision opens the race up, those candidates have to watch their backs for any late entry by a name with stature who might see Webber's departure as an opportunity (not that many name players are attracted to the treacherous job).
Meantime, one of our Senior Alligators alerts us to keep an eye on candidate Tarin Nix, a Deputy State Land Commissioner for Public Affairs who is also an experienced political consultant:
Joe, I don’t necessarily have a logical reason to say this but watch Tarin Nix. She’s a seasoned political operative and knows how to set up an arms length independent expenditure organization to support her. She could inherit Webber's Anglo, progressive base.
Although the 40 year old has said she won't officially leave her well-paying state job until August to campaign for the November election--which raised questions about her intensity--she appeared to have the meatiest answers in a series of interviews conducted with the contenders.
Whether she or anyone else has the chops to take a lion's share of Webber's base or whether it will be cut into pieces is a key question going forward.
As for Webber, he gave it his all and like many mayors had a mostly solid first term. It's the second term that is often cursed and so it was with him.
Covid, the obelisk obsession and identity politics, a fentanyl scourge and a spike in crime all occurred during Webber's tenure. It can be argued that many of the problems were presented to the city (and other cities) under his watch and not caused by his administration. Whatever the case, the Webber years will offer much for history to judge.
What seems fairly certain now is that our capital city is at an inflection point in addressing the stubborn issues of the 21st century. The pressure is on this generation to preserve and protect all that is special about Santa Fe. Who is best equipped to lead the charge is what the 2025 mayoral race is all about.
This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.