ABQ Mayor Tim Keller has officially announced his bid for an unprecedented third consecutive term, defending his leadership on crime and homelessness and asserting that the "turmoil from Washington" requires "an experienced fighter."

News release here. One minute video here.

The ongoing crime wave will be the central issue of the campaign leading up the November 4 election and Keller's campaign, while acknowledging the "challenges" the city still faces, contends that crime is on the wane:

When Mayor Keller took office, crime was rising across the board, and officers were leaving the force. Today, under his leadership, crime rates are declining, the police force is being rebuilt, and the department is nearly finished with DOJ-mandated reforms. Additionally, the Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department has helped free up police resources, enabling faster emergency response. We remain committed to ensuring every street in our city is safe.

With that Keller set the city up for a spirited debate on whether crime is indeed coming down or remains as fierce as ever.  

On the other top public concern--homelessness--the campaign says:

When Mayor Keller took office, Albuquerque had no city permanent shelter beds for the unhoused. Last year, his administration delivered a breakthrough, opening the Gateway System, which shelters 1,000 people each night. Now, Mayor Keller is doubling down by expanding housing units to get even more people off the streets.

The Gateway is open but not near full capacity which sets up another contentious cross fire with his foes. They include former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White and former Bernalillo County Economic Development Director Mayling Armijo with conservative radio talker Eddy Aragon saying he will run again but who has not yet made it official.

(Art by Peter St. Cyr)

Crime and homelessness will be the battlegrounds but Keller's leadership record in other areas is less controversial. His campaign calls that leadership "visionary.":

Seven years ago, there was no clear vision for Downtown, the Railyards, or expanding family-friendly activities. Today, that has changed. The CNM Railyards Media Academy is set to bring hundreds of students into the heart of our city every day. Downtown is experiencing a revival, with new restaurants, hotels, and vibrant developments. The Rail Trail will soon connect Albuquerque’s historic neighborhoods through a scenic pedestrian parkway that celebrates our city’s rich diversity. Meanwhile, Netflix continues to grow, employing thousands of local residents and solidifying Albuquerque’s place in the film industry.

The more those issues are discussed the better for Keller whose popularity has been submerged by a general decline in the quality of life in the city as crime and homelessness have become more commonplace.

His administration argues ABQ is part of a larger picture with those complex issues challenging not just ABQ but cities across the nation.

Keller's mention of the "turmoil" in DC plays into his hands as ABQ progressive Democrats may feel again compelled to go to the polls to protest the rule of Trump as they did during the President's first term during the mayoral election of 2017.

So far, Keller is the candidate in the race with the most appeal to the city's large progressive block and he listed notable progressives endorsing his candidacy in his announcement release.

Keller has opted for public financing. If he qualifies as he did in his first two runs, he will receive a hefty $756,000 in taxpayer money for the campaign. 

In addition, a PAC apart from that funding that will seek private donations to bolster his chances is expected to form as was the case in his first two runs. 

THE KELLER FILE

When first elected seven years ago Keller was the State Auditor and a former ABQ state senator about to turn 40. His boyish good looks, media charisma and political smarts enabled him to win in a landslide over City Councilor Dan Lewis.

Seeking re-election in 2021 and already dealing with the crime wave and homelessness, he still dominated, scoring a 56 percent win over his two opponents and avoiding a run-off election that would have been forced if he had not taken a majority of the vote.

Getting 50 percent this time and avoiding a run-off may be more complicated considering his weaker poll numbers and with perhaps more than three candidates qualifying for the ballot.

But there's no question Keller has dodged a bullet thus far by not drawing an opponent similar to the candidate he was in 2017, a relatively new face bursting with enthusiasm to take command of the city.

Keller, now 48, is a graduate of St Pius High and has an MBA from Harvard. His wife, Elizabeth Kisten Keller, holds a PhD and works in policy analysis at Los Alamos National Labs. They are raising two  young children. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.