Daniel Leiva

Daniel Leiva ran for election to the Albuquerque City Council to represent District 1 in New Mexico. He lost in the general election on November 4, 2025.

Leiva completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Daniel Leiva was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Leiva's career experience includes working as a small business owner. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in 2017 and a law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Elections

2025

See also: City elections in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2025)

General runoff election

General runoff election for Albuquerque City Council District 1

Stephanie Telles defeated Joshua Neal in the general runoff election for Albuquerque City Council District 1 on December 9, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Stephanie Telles (Nonpartisan)	59.4	9,031
	Submit photo	Joshua Neal (Nonpartisan)	40.6	6,176

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	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 15,207
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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General election

General election for Albuquerque City Council District 1

Stephanie Telles and Joshua Neal advanced to a runoff. They defeated Daniel Leiva and Ahren Griego in the general election for Albuquerque City Council District 1 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Stephanie Telles (Nonpartisan)	36.4	5,328
✔	Submit photo	Joshua Neal (Nonpartisan)	26.2	3,835
		Daniel Leiva (Nonpartisan)	19.8	2,897
	Submit photo	Ahren Griego (Nonpartisan)	17.6	2,574

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 14,634
= 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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Endorsements

To view Leiva's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Leiva in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Daniel Leiva completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Leiva's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Daniel Leiva is a lifelong Albuquerque resident. A graduate of the University of New Mexico and the UNM School of Law, Leiva has spent over five years working in the City’s Economic Development Department, helping local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and job creators succeed.

The son of immigrant parents and a proud product of Albuquerque Public Schools, Leiva grew up on the Westside and remains deeply rooted in the community he hopes to serve. His campaign focuses on strengthening neighborhood safety, expanding workforce and youth development opportunities, and promoting responsible growth that preserves the unique character of Albuquerque’s Westside.

Leiva emphasizes collaboration and data-driven solutions to address challenges such as homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety. He has earned the trust of community leaders, educators, and local organizations who share his vision for a stronger, more connected city.

Leiva describes his candidacy as “a new generation of leadership” dedicated to building a future where young people can stay, work, and raise families in Albuquerque.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• As a proud UNM graduate and small business owner, Daniel knows that local opportunity keeps young people in Albuquerque. He’s committed to expanding job training, supporting small businesses, and promoting responsible growth that creates good-paying careers. Daniel wants to make sure Albuquerque’s next generation can build their future in Albuquerque, not somewhere else.
• Daniel was raised on Albuquerque’s Westside and understands what makes it special. He’s focused on preserving the character and quality of life that residents value while ensuring that growth comes with the infrastructure, parks, and roads families deserve. His approach is about balance, listening to neighbors, and building a city that works for everyone.
• Daniel believes every Albuquerque resident deserves to feel safe in their community. He supports expanding Albuquerque Community Safety teams, improving coordination between first responders, and investing in prevention programs that address homelessness, mental health, and addiction. His goal is a unified public safety system that delivers the right response at the right time, keeping neighborhoods safe and connected.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about education and the environment, two areas that shape the future we leave for the next generation. As the son of educators, I’ve seen how strong schools open doors for young people and help them build lasting careers here at home. I’m also deeply committed to protecting our natural environment, from the bosque and the Rio Grande to our open spaces and clean air. By investing in education and sustainability, we can create opportunity for young people while preserving the beauty and resources that make Albuquerque special.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The City Council is unique because it serves as the direct voice of the people in local government. It bridges community needs with city policy, shaping everything from public safety and housing to infrastructure and growth. As part of Albuquerque’s governing system, the Council provides both legislative direction and vital oversight, ensuring transparency, accountability, and balanced decision-making that reflects the priorities of residents.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to the Mendez family, who fought for school integration in the 1946 case Mendez v. Westminster, years before Brown v. Board of Education. Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez challenged the segregation of Mexican American students in California and helped open the door to equal education across the country.

What inspires me most is that they were ordinary people who stood up for justice because they believed every child deserved a fair chance. As the son of educators and a product of public schools, I see their story as a reminder that education is both a right and a responsibility. Their courage shows that lasting change begins with families and communities who choose fairness and equality, even when it is difficult.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important qualities of an elected official are integrity, humility, and perseverance. Public service is not about recognition or control, it’s about carrying the weight of responsibility with focus and resolve, even when no one is watching. The work can be slow and challenging, but progress comes from showing up every day with purpose and refusing to give in to cynicism.

An elected official must have the discipline to study the issues, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the compassion to understand how those decisions affect real people. That means listening before speaking, learning before judging, and leading with empathy rather than ego.

I also believe that hope is a discipline. We must continue to believe in the possibility of better outcomes, even when the odds seem stacked against us. That belief fuels perseverance, the quiet determination to keep moving forward, to protect what’s good, and to create space for growth and renewal.

In my view, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being steady, thoughtful, and guided by principle. It’s about earning trust through consistency and integrity. Like any long journey, public service requires patience and a sense of purpose that transcends personal ambition.

If we lead with empathy, discipline, and hope, we can build a government that truly serves people and a city that reflects the best of who we are.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a City Councilor are to listen, to lead, and to act with integrity. This office exists to represent the people, not as a position of power but as a position of trust. Every decision made at City Hall should reflect the voices, needs, and hopes of the community we serve.

A Councilor’s first responsibility is to listen carefully and stay connected to the neighborhoods they represent. That means showing up at meetings, in living rooms, and in local businesses to understand what people are experiencing day to day. It also means asking questions, studying the issues, and seeking real data before making decisions that impact families, workers, and small businesses.

Another responsibility is collaboration. City government only works when departments, councilors, and the mayor’s office communicate effectively and focus on results rather than rivalry. A City Councilor must be both an advocate and a bridge builder, someone who can challenge the status quo while finding common ground to move the city forward.

Transparency and accountability are also essential. Residents deserve to know not just what decisions are made, but why they are made. Trust grows when people see consistency, honesty, and follow-through.

Finally, a Councilor must protect the long-term well-being of the city. That means thinking beyond election cycles and acting with the next generation in mind, whether it is planning sustainable growth, investing in public safety and infrastructure, or strengthening opportunities for young people to thrive here.

In short, the responsibility of this office is to serve with discipline, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose to ensure that Albuquerque’s progress reflects the values and voices of its people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I want to leave is one of opportunity, unity, and integrity. I want people to remember that my work helped make Albuquerque a place where young people can build their futures, families feel safe, and government earns the trust of its residents.

I hope to show that local government can be transparent, responsive, and rooted in real community values. My goal is to leave behind safer neighborhoods, stronger opportunities for good jobs, and a city that invests in both people and the environment.

Most of all, I want to inspire young people to believe in their power to create change. Service is not about titles or recognition, but about improving lives and strengthening the community we all share.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. I was in the third grade, and even though it happened on the other side of the world, it left a lasting impression on me. I remember watching the news with my family and seeing images of homes swept away, people searching for loved ones, and entire communities struggling to rebuild. I did not fully understand the magnitude of what I was seeing, but I understood that something tragic and deeply human had happened.

That was one of the first times I realized how connected we all are. Even as a child, I could see that people in New Mexico felt compassion for people thousands of miles away. We talked about it in school, about how nature can be both beautiful and devastating, and about how communities come together to help one another when disaster strikes. It showed me that empathy is not limited by geography.

As I grew older, I came to see that event as more than a tragedy; it was a reminder of the strength of the human spirit. The world responded with compassion, aid, and resilience. It taught me that leadership often begins in moments of crisis, when people choose to act for others rather than for themselves.

That early memory shaped the way I think about service and responsibility today. It reminded me that the role of a public servant is to help communities prepare, protect, and recover, to ensure that when people face hardship, they do not face it alone. Even from a distance, that event planted in me a lifelong belief in our shared humanity and the importance of compassion in leadership.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was working in roofing alongside my grandfather and uncle. It was tough, physical work under the New Mexico sun, with hot tar, heavy materials, and long days with no shortcuts. I was young, but that experience shaped how I see work, leadership, and people. Roofing taught me discipline, patience, and the value of doing something right the first time, even when no one is watching.

There is something humbling about working with your hands and earning your pay through sweat and effort. You learn quickly that every task, no matter how small, contributes to something bigger. You also learn to respect the people who keep our city running, the laborers, tradespeople, and small business owners who take pride in their craft and put in the hours to build something lasting.

That experience gave me perspective. When I talk about economic opportunity or workforce development, it is not from theory, it is from experience. I know what it is like to wake up before dawn, to depend on the weather for a paycheck, and to come home tired but proud of what you accomplished. Those early lessons in hard work and responsibility have never left me.

Today, they influence how I lead. Hard labor builds not just strength, but empathy. It teaches you to listen, to understand different kinds of struggle, and to respect effort wherever you find it. In public service, that perspective matters. It keeps you grounded and reminds you that leadership is not about titles or offices, it is about earning trust through action and never asking anyone to do work you would not do yourself.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is The Lost Fleet by Jack Campbell. It is a science fiction series about a fleet of ships trapped deep in enemy space, but at its core it is a story about leadership, integrity, and perseverance. The main character, Captain John “Black Jack” Geary, leads through respect, discipline, and moral courage rather than ego or force. He shows that real leadership means making hard choices, putting others first, and staying true to your values even under pressure. The book reminds me that integrity and teamwork are what hold people together through difficult times, and that is a lesson I try to live by.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Batman. He is not a hero because of superpowers, but because of his discipline, intelligence, and commitment to justice. Batman channels his pain into purpose and uses his skills to protect others, even when his work is difficult or unrecognized. What I admire most about him is his balance of strength and restraint. He understands that real change takes patience, strategy, and moral clarity. Batman reminds me that leadership is not about perfection, but about persistence and the courage to keep fighting for what is right, even in the face of fear or doubt.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life was learning English as my second language. I grew up in a bilingual household, and while Spanish was the language of home and family, English was the language of school and the wider world. When I first started school, I remember feeling shy and unsure. I understood only parts of what teachers said and sometimes had to guess what was being asked of me. It was frustrating to have thoughts I could not fully express yet.

Over time, I learned that language is not just a skill but a bridge. I worked hard to learn English while also holding on to my Spanish and the culture that came with it. My teachers, classmates, and family all played a role in helping me find my voice. It took patience, practice, and a lot of courage to speak up even when I made mistakes.

That experience shaped who I am today. It taught me empathy for anyone who feels unseen or unheard, and it gave me a deep respect for education and for the teachers who open doors for students like me. It also made me a better listener and communicator, because I know what it feels like to struggle to be understood.

Learning English as a second language reminded me that challenges can become strengths. Being bilingual allows me to connect with more people, to understand different perspectives, and to serve my community more effectively. It is a part of my story that began as a struggle but became one of my greatest sources of pride.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Many people don’t realize how much influence the City Council has over funding priorities and land use decisions. Councilors help shape the city’s annual budget, directing investments in public safety, housing, and infrastructure. They also play a key role in zoning and development, decisions that determine how our neighborhoods grow and what opportunities exist for families and businesses. These responsibilities have a lasting impact on the city’s quality of life and future.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience in government can be helpful, but what matters most is a commitment to public service and a willingness to learn. I’ve seen firsthand, through my years working in the City’s Economic Development Department, how complex city systems can be and how important collaboration is to getting results. At the same time, local government benefits from fresh perspectives and new energy. The best leaders combine practical experience with genuine curiosity and a drive to serve their community.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for a City Councilor. My time in the City’s Economic Development Department taught me how to navigate complex systems, build partnerships, and find practical solutions that help businesses and neighborhoods thrive. Law school strengthened my ability to interpret policy, understand legal frameworks, and think critically about how laws affect real people. Together, those experiences prepared me to approach challenges with both technical skill and empathy.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

The City Council is unique because it serves as both the legislative voice of the people and a check on executive power. It shapes policies, allocates funding, and ensures that city departments remain accountable to residents. Councilors are closest to the community, they translate neighborhood concerns into action and set the priorities that guide Albuquerque’s growth, safety, and quality of life. This direct connection makes the office one of the most impactful in local government.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

One of the most memorable stories I have heard is that of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the President of Mexico. His journey from humble beginnings in a small town in Tabasco to leading an entire nation is a reminder of what perseverance and faith in one’s people can achieve. He faced years of setbacks, criticism, and electoral defeats, yet he never stopped believing in his vision for a more just and inclusive country. What moves me most is his connection to ordinary people and his belief that government should serve with honesty and humility. His story reminds me that leadership is not about privilege, but about endurance, conviction, and a lifelong commitment to the people you serve.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One accomplishment I am especially proud of is my work during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving in the City’s Economic Development Department. During that time, I helped distribute thousands of grants to local families struggling to stay afloat and to small businesses fighting to keep their doors open. It was challenging work that required coordination, empathy, and urgency, but it showed me the real impact local government can have when it acts quickly and compassionately. Seeing those grants help families pay rent, keep workers employed, and rebuild their livelihoods reminded me why I chose public service and strengthened my commitment to our community’s resilience.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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