Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico, elections (2025)

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← 2023
Albuquerque Public Schools elections
General election date
November 4, 2025
Enrollment ('22-'23)
79,805 students

Incumbent Courtney Jackson, Rebecca Betzen, Joshua Martinez, and Warigia Margaret Bowman, won elections for four seats on the Albuquerque Public Schools school board in New Mexico on November 4, 2025. As a result of this election, candidates aligned with teachers unions held a majority of seats on the board.

Albuquerque Journal's Noah Alcala Bach wrote before the election, "The balance of power between the two primary factions that make up the Albuquerque Public Schools board is on the ballot this November."

Eight candidates ran in the four districts. Those candidates were:

• In District 3, incumbent Danielle Gonzales and Rebecca Betzen ran. A third candidate, Isaac Flores, withdrew and endorsed Betzen, but remained on the ballot.
• In District 5, Brian Laurent and Joshua Martinez ran. Incumbent Crystal Tapia-Romero did not seek re-election.
• In District 6, David Ams and Warigia Margaret Bowman ran. Incumbent Josefina Dominguez did not seek re-election.
• In District 7, incumbent Courtney Jackson and Kristin Wood-Hegner ran.

To read more about each candidate's policies, click here.

Albuquerque Journal's Noah Alcala Bach wrote, "Historically, the local teachers union, the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, and the metro’s business community power players, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of NAIOP, a commercial real estate organization, have been key organizations in the battle for power on the APS board."

In 2021, three candidates aligned with the business community and one candidate backed by the teachers union won. Of the seven-member board, three candidates were affiliated with the business community and three were affiliated with the teachers union. One was not affiliated with either side.

The Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce endorsed Gonzales, Jackson, Ams, and Martinez. The Albuquerque Teachers Federation endorsed Betzen, Bowman, and Wood-Hegner. The union did not endorse a candidate for District 5.

Another issue in the election was the performance of the district's superintendent, Gabriella Blakely. The candidates were divided on her performance since her appointment in 2024. Gonzales, Jackson, Ams, and Martinez all expressed varying degrees of support for her. Betzen, Bowman, and Wood-Hegner were more critical of her tenure. Laurent said it was too early to judge her performance, but that the board's decision to extend her contract in 2025 was made too quickly.

The Albuquerque Public Schools district covered Bernalillo County and Sandoval County. In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris (D) won both counties with 59% of the vote and 52% of the vote, respectively.

In addition to school board elections, Albuquerque held elections for mayor, city council, and municipal bonds. To read more about other Albuquerque elections, click here.

Elections

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Candidates and results

District 3

General election

General election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 3

Rebecca Betzen defeated incumbent Danielle Gonzales and Isaac Flores (Unofficially withdrew) in the general election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 3 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rebecca Betzen (Nonpartisan)	50.2	9,072
		Danielle Gonzales (Nonpartisan)	39.0	7,047
	Submit photo	Isaac Flores (Nonpartisan) (Unofficially withdrew)	10.8	1,957

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source	Total votes: 18,076
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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District 5

General election

General election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 5

Joshua Martinez defeated Brian Laurent in the general election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 5 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joshua Martinez (Nonpartisan)	67.5	8,566
		Brian Laurent (Nonpartisan)	32.5	4,126

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	There were no incumbents in this race. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 12,692
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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District 6

General election

General election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 6

Warigia Margaret Bowman defeated David Ams in the general election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 6 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Warigia Margaret Bowman (Nonpartisan)	61.5	14,399
		David Ams (Nonpartisan)	38.5	9,020

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	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 23,419
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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District 7

General election

General election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 7

Incumbent Courtney Jackson defeated Kristin Wood-Hegner in the general election for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 7 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Courtney Jackson (Nonpartisan)	56.9	14,528
		Kristin Wood-Hegner (Nonpartisan)	43.1	10,991

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source	Total votes: 25,519
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Additional elections on the ballot

See also: New Mexico elections, 2025

What's on your ballot?

Click here to find out!

November 4, 2025

• City elections in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2025)
• Mayoral election in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2025)
• Municipal elections in Bernalillo County, New Mexico (2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Community Centers and Related Projects Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Development of Community Safety Department Facilities Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Development of Parks and Recreational Facilities Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Development of Public Libraries Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Low-Income Housing Development Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Metropolitan Redevelopment Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Municipal Infrastructure Development Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Museum and Cultural Facilities Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Renovating Public Facilities and Systems Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Storm Sewer System Development Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, Transportation Development Bond Measure (November 2025)
• Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico, School Development Bond Measure (November 2025)

December 9, 2025

• City elections in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2025)
• Mayoral election in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2025)

Voting information

The following information comes from U.S. Vote Foundation:

• October 7, 2025: Last day to register
• Oct 7, 2025 to Nov 1, 2025: Early voting period
• Oct 21, 2025: Last day to request a mail-in ballot
• Nov 4, 2025 7:00PM: Last day and time to return a ballot.

Candidate comparison

Candidate cards

District 3

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Danielle Gonzales

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

• Albuquerque Public Schools member, District 3 (Assumed office: 2022)

Biography:  Gonzales earned a bachelor's degree from George Washington University in 1997 and a master's degree in education from Stanford University in 2003. She previously worked as a teacher, and as a nonprofit executive.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Gonzales campaigned on improving academic outcomes, and her website said, "I’ll keep pushing for strong instruction, high expectations, and resources that help every student meet their potential."

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Gonzales campaigned on improving student's mental health, and her website said she would support "expanding access to mental health supports, continuing restorative practices, and ensuring every student — no matter their background — feels seen, heard, and safe at school."

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Gonzales supported transparency in school board processes, and her website said she supported "holding the superintendent accountable, using student data to drive our actions, and being transparent with the community about our progress."

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Show sources

Sources: Danielle Gonzales campaign website 2025, "Homepage," accessed October 15, 2025; LinkedIn, "Danielle Gonzales," accessed October 15, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 3 in 2025.

Rebecca Betzen

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Betzen earned her bachelor's degree in early education and her master's in education from the University of New Mexico. She worked as a teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Betzen's website said she would oppose privatization of schools:  "I will fight [efforts to privatize schools] aggressively so schools remain accountable to parents and taxpayers, not private interests."

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Betzen campaigned on improving student safety, and her website said, "I will work with APD and social service groups to reduce violence in our schools and ensure ICE does not have access to our public schools."

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Betzen said she would improve teacher retention, and her website said, "I’ll advocate for more funding for teacher workforce development, create teacher residency programs, and increase mentorship for first-time teachers."

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Show sources

Sources: Rebcca Betzen campaign website 2025, "Priorities," accessed October 15, 2025; Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Rebecca Betzen," October 1, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 3 in 2025.

District 5

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Brian Laurent

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Laurent earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Delaware in 2002 and a master of public administration from Boise State University in 2012. He worked as a special education teacher and a contractor for the New Mexico Department of Education.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Laurent said he wanted to address safety, and said, "Increased mental health services, clear backpacks, and metal detectors are within the district’s control and serve as next steps beyond the current system of 'if you see something, say something.'"

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Laurent said the district's current goals were not effective enough and said an "explicit focus on increasing the district’s low graduation rate is needed."

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Laurent said he would improve student outcomes and increase transparency: "As a board member, I would listen to the community, ask the hard questions, and always put students first."

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Show sources

Sources: Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Brian Laurent, Jr," October 1, 2025; Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Brian Laurent, Jr," October 1, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 5 in 2025.

Joshua Martinez

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Martinez earned a bachelor's degree in community health and a master's in public administration from the University of New Mexico. He previously worked as a nonprofit director, on the City of Albuquerque Board of Ethics, and as a director for the American Diabetes Association.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Martinez said he wanted to improve academic outcomes in the district, and his website said he would "focus on proven strategies in reading, math, and science to ensure students are meeting grade-level benchmarks and prepared for the future."

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Martinez said he wanted to increase classroom spending by "Cut[ting] waste and ensur[ing] more education dollars go directly to classrooms, teachers, and the tools students need to succeed."

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Martinez wanted to improve school safety, and his website said he would increase "campus security, improv[e] emergency response protocols, and plac[e] more mental health professionals in schools to support students’ well-being and prevent crises before they happen."

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Show sources

Sources: Joshua Martinez 2025 campaign website, "Homepage," accessed October 15, 2025; Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Joshua Martinez," October 1, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 5 in 2025.

District 6

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

David Ams

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Ams earned a bachelor's degree in Geology from Kent State University and a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. He previously worked as a nuclear chemist and a PTA president.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Ams campaigned on improving student literacy, and his campaign website said "I’ll work to ensure every child can read confidently by third grade—because literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning."

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Ams campaigned on increasing programs to give students future employment, and his website said, "I’ll champion programs that give students real-world skills and access to living-wage careers after graduation."

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Ams supported increasing school transparency, and his website said "APS has a $2 billion budget—but voters don’t believe that money is being used effectively. I’ll push for greater transparency and ensure every dollar helps students succeed."

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Show sources

Sources: David Ams 2025 campaign website, "Homepage," accessed October 15, 2025; Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board David Ams," October 1, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 6 in 2025.

Warigia Margaret Bowman

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Bowman earned a bachelor's degree from Columbia University, a J.D. from the University of Austin, and a Ph.D in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. She previously worked as an attorney for the Department of Justice, a government consultant, and a law professor.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Bowman supported improving school infrastructure, and her website said, "We need to conduct a district-wide assessment to identify critical infrastructure needs—from air conditioning to plumbing and ventilation to roofs and windows—and create a transparent plan to address our infrastructure before it's a crisis."

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Bowman said she wanted to increase school safety, and her website said, "From preventing gun violence to addressing mental health, bullying, and community violence, APS must have a comprehensive safety strategy that reflects the reality students and educators face every day."

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Bowman opposed school vouchers, and her website said, "Our School Board is under attack by national interests that seek to take money away from public schools and put them in private schools. The vast majority of children in New Mexico attend public schools—let’s focus on making these schools better."

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Show sources

Sources: Warigia Margaret Bowman 2025 campaign website, "Priorities," accessed October 15, 2025; Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Margaret “Warigia” Bowman," October 1, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 6 in 2025.

District 7

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Courtney Jackson

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

• Albuquerque Public Schools member, District 7 (Assumed office: 2022)

Biography:  Jackson earned her bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of New Mexico in 1997, and her J.D. from the University of Mexico School of Law in 2004. She worked as an executive assistant at the Economic Forum of Albuquerque and as a community volunteer.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Jackson's website said she wanted to "improve student achievement in reading and math by fully executing the strategic plan and holding APS accountable to its goals."

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Jackson's website said she wante to "strengthen parent and student engagement, continuing to build trust and two-way communication across our communities."

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Jackson's website said she wanted to "sustain transparency and accountability at every level, from the boardroom to the classroom."

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Show sources

Sources: Courtney Jackson 2025 campaign website, "Homepage," accessed October 15, 2025; Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Courtney Jackson," October 1, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 7 in 2025.

Kristin Wood-Hegner

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Wood-Hegner earned a bachelor's degree in political science from San Jose State University, a master's degre in international education and a Master's of Public Administration from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. She worked as an ESL teacher.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Wood-Hegner wanted to reduce bullying on campus, and her website said she would "create more avenues for students and families to report bullying, engage in the resolution process, and receive support and early intervention services."

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Wood-Hegner opposed banning books,a nd her website said she wanted to "protect our children's right to read, and make sure every child and family is represented in the library."

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Wood-Hegner supported improving teacher retention, and her website said she would "provide quality professional development opportunities and work with teacher’s unions to improve workplace."

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Show sources

Sources: Kristen Wood-Hegner 2025 campaign website, "Homepage," accessed October 15, 2025; Albuquerque Journal, "Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Kristen Wood-Hegner," October 1, 2025

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education District 7 in 2025.

Candidate connection

District 3

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

District 5

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

District 6

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

District 7

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Past elections

See also: Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico, elections

To see results from past elections in Albuquerque Public Schools, click here.

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Take our candidate survey

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Endorsements

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Click the links below to see official endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites for any candidates that make that information available. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.

District 3

• Danielle Gonzales
• Rebecca Betzen

District 5

• Joshua Martinez

District 6

• Warigia Margaret Bowman

District 7

• Kristin Wood=Hegner

About the district

See also: Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico

Albuquerque Public Schools is located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The district served 79,805 students during the 2022-2023 school year.

2025 battleground elections

See also: Battlegrounds

This was a battleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections included:

• Mayoral election in Detroit, Michigan, 2025 (August 5 nonpartisan primary)
• Mayoral election in Helena, Montana (September 9, 2025 primary election)
• New Jersey gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2025 (June 10 Republican primary)

See also

Albuquerque Public Schools	New Mexico	School Boards
Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico, elections (2023) List of school districts in New Mexico	New Mexico school board elections, 2025 Public education in New Mexico Local ballot measures, New Mexico	School board elections, 2025 School board elections, 2024 School board election data analysis, 2025 School board election data analysis, 2024

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Albuquerque Public Schools

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