Santa Fe County Commission District 3

Rudy Nelson Garcia grew up on Airport Road before annexation and has worked at Santa Fe County for 27 years. Now he's hoping to help run the county from an elected position.

Unlike many candidates who claimed victory in Tuesday's Democratic primary election, Garcia's big battle lies ahead.

Former commissioner Mike Anaya, of Stanley, says he's aiming to get on the general election ballot for the county's District 3 seat to provide some stiff competition. Anaya, who held the seat for eight years before term limits prevented him from seeking a third, plans to run as an Independent rather than a Democrat, which is why he wasn't on the ballot today. His brother Robert Anaya most recently held the seat for two terms.

The territory for the county's largest geographic district spans from the southwestern edge of the city of Santa Fe all the way to the southern edge of the county and includes La Cienega, Galisteo, Madrid and Edgewood.

Garcia earned about 55 percent of votes, according to early, unofficial returns posted by the secretary of state. The next closest contender was Filandro Anaya, who brought in about 26 percent. Donald Reece finished with 19 percent.

"I just appreciate everyone that assisted and helped out with the democratic process," Garcia tells SFR as the returns rolled in, and just after the conclusion of a meeting of the Santa Fe School Board, where he is a member.

Garcia said he's not sure that Anaya will end up on the ballot in the fall, but says he'll be ready when and if that happens. He says he believes he came out on top in the race because he's the most qualified. While Filandro Anaya, no close relation to Mike, is on the County Planning Commission, for example, he's never held elected office. Garcia works in the county manager's office and has overseen a number of key county projects in his nearly three decades on the payroll there.