Note: “KOAT stands by its journalistic and ethical decision to limit the number of candidates in the debate based on legally established criteria.” — KOAT ManagementKOAT Action 7 News, The Albuquerque Journal and News Radio KKOB, collectively known as “Partners for Impact,” are hosting Albuquerque’s Mayoral debate on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller, former Bernalillo County sheriff Darren White, former U.S. attorney Alex M.M. Uballez and Albuquerque City Councilor Louie Sanchez will face off in a series of questions and issues affecting Albuquerque. MORE: KOAT-Albuquerque Journal Poll: 37% of voters remain undecided in Albuquerque mayoral raceView updated Campaign Finance Report, hereOn Tuesday, Oct. 14, KOAT political expert Brian Sanderoff weighed in on what to expect ahead of the mayoral debate.”According to the polls, 37% of the voters are undecided. This debate will be watched by many, many voters. After all, so many voters are undecided. If you’re undecided, this is a great opportunity to see the top candidates and see how well they perform,” Sanderoff said. “What will be interesting to watch for is how Tim Keller responds to his three challengers constantly criticizing him on crime and homelessness. Will he simply ignore them and tout his accomplishments? Will he get offensive? Will he keep his cool?” Sanderoff said. Commitment 2025: High voter turnout expected for Albuquerque mayoral race”Those undecided voters have to make a decision about one of the Keller alternatives. So, the three challengers to Tim Keller need to do something memorable. They need to stand out in order to be considered by the undecided voters who are not going to be voting for Tim Keller,” Sanderoff said.”Every voter has their own personal philosophy. Are you a liberal, moderate or conservative? So, you’re going to be listening to the debate to see which candidates really reflect your values. The voters should be listening to more than just criticism of the incumbent mayors’ records, but what are the solutions that these other candidates have?” Sanderoff said. Where to watch?Channel: KOAT Action 7 News (Channel 7)Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15. (Tonight)Time: 7 p.m.Candidates Mayling Armijo and Eddie VarelaBased on a combination of campaign finance reports and the results of the KOAT-Albuquerque Journal poll, KOAT did not invite Navy Veteran Mayling Armijo and retired fire chief Eddie Varela to the debate. In September’s 2025 finance report, Armijo was fourth in fundraising while Varela was last. Mayor Keller was not shown because he qualified for more than $750,000 in public financing. In the poll, Varela received 2%, while Armijo received 1%, though 37% polled were undecided. KOAT offered separate interviews for Armijo and Varela. However, they both declined. Both interviews were set to air on Action 7 News before the Albuquerque mayoral debate. View KOAT-Albuquerque Journal Election Poll, below:Currently, there are six candidates in the 2025 Albuquerque mayoral race. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. One-on-one interviews with Albuquerque Mayoral CandidatesIncumbent Mayor Tim KellerOne-on-one with Mayor Tim Keller ahead of Albuquerque mayoral electionDarren White One-on-one with candidate Darren White ahead of Albuquerque mayoral electionAlexander M.M. UballezOne-on-one with former US attorney Alex Uballez ahead of Albuquerque mayoral electionLouie SanchezOne-on-one with candidate Louie Sanchez ahead of Albuquerque mayoral electionEddie VarelaOne-on-one with candidate Eddie Varela ahead of Albuquerque mayoral election Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. You can download it here
Note: “KOAT stands by its journalistic and ethical decision to limit the number of candidates in the debate based on legally established criteria.” — KOAT Management
KOAT Action 7 News, The Albuquerque Journal and News Radio KKOB, collectively known as “Partners for Impact,” are hosting Albuquerque’s Mayoral debate on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller, former Bernalillo County sheriff Darren White, former U.S. attorney Alex M.M. Uballez and Albuquerque City Councilor Louie Sanchez will face off in a series of questions and issues affecting Albuquerque.
MORE: KOAT-Albuquerque Journal Poll: 37% of voters remain undecided in Albuquerque mayoral race
View updated Campaign Finance Report, here
Table of Contents
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, KOAT political expert Brian Sanderoff weighed in on what to expect ahead of the mayoral debate.
“According to the polls, 37% of the voters are undecided. This debate will be watched by many, many voters. After all, so many voters are undecided. If you’re undecided, this is a great opportunity to see the top candidates and see how well they perform,” Sanderoff said.
“What will be interesting to watch for is how Tim Keller responds to his three challengers constantly criticizing him on crime and homelessness. Will he simply ignore them and tout his accomplishments? Will he get offensive? Will he keep his cool?” Sanderoff said.
Commitment 2025: High voter turnout expected for Albuquerque mayoral race
“Those undecided voters have to make a decision about one of the Keller alternatives. So, the three challengers to Tim Keller need to do something memorable. They need to stand out in order to be considered by the undecided voters who are not going to be voting for Tim Keller,” Sanderoff said.
“Every voter has their own personal philosophy. Are you a liberal, moderate or conservative? So, you’re going to be listening to the debate to see which candidates really reflect your values. The voters should be listening to more than just criticism of the incumbent mayors’ records, but what are the solutions that these other candidates have?” Sanderoff said.
Where to watch?
Channel: KOAT Action 7 News (Channel 7)
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15. (Tonight)
Time: 7 p.m.
Candidates Mayling Armijo and Eddie Varela
Based on a combination of campaign finance reports and the results of the KOAT-Albuquerque Journal poll, KOAT did not invite Navy Veteran Mayling Armijo and retired fire chief Eddie Varela to the debate. In September’s 2025 finance report, Armijo was fourth in fundraising while Varela was last. Mayor Keller was not shown because he qualified for more than $750,000 in public financing.
In the poll, Varela received 2%, while Armijo received 1%, though 37% polled were undecided. KOAT offered separate interviews for Armijo and Varela. However, they both declined. Both interviews were set to air on Action 7 News before the Albuquerque mayoral debate.
View KOAT-Albuquerque Journal Election Poll, below:
Currently, there are six candidates in the 2025 Albuquerque mayoral race. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
One-on-one interviews with Albuquerque Mayoral Candidates
Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller
One-on-one with Mayor Tim Keller ahead of Albuquerque mayoral election
Darren White
One-on-one with candidate Darren White ahead of Albuquerque mayoral election
Alexander M.M. Uballez
One-on-one with former US attorney Alex Uballez ahead of Albuquerque mayoral election
Louie Sanchez
One-on-one with candidate Louie Sanchez ahead of Albuquerque mayoral election
Eddie Varela
One-on-one with candidate Eddie Varela ahead of Albuquerque mayoral election
Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. You can download it here
