Tim Keller (politician)

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In January 2017, Keller announced his intention to run in that year's Albuquerque mayoral election to fight for a safe, inclusive and innovative city. He stated that he would pursue public financing for his campaign by initially raising thousands of five-dollar donations, and pledged to expand the city's Police Department from around 850 officers to 1,200 if elected. [14] As of May 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department had 885 sworn officers, according to police chief Harold Medina. [15] Of the final eight candidates to make the Mayoral ballot, Keller was the only one to receive public financing, collecting nearly 6,000 five-dollar donations from the community, an impressive organizing feat. Keller would receive roughly $380,000 from the city to run his campaign, while his opponents would have no cap to the amount of money they could raise. [16] [17]

Throughout the course of the Election, Keller took part in multitudes of debates and forums, ranging from the standard televised debates for local channels, KRQE [18] and KOB, [19] as well as community based such as MIABQ's Forum for Young People, Young Professionals and Young Families, [20] Dukes Up #RealTalk Forum [21] and the Weekly Alibi's candidate Q&A. [22]

On October 3, Keller topped the ballot with 39 percent of the vote, 16 percentage points ahead of the second-placed candidate, Republican Albuquerque City Councilman Dan Lewis, whom Keller would face in a runoff election in November. [23]

Run-off Election: Seen as the front-runner, [24] Keller continued to garner broad support from across the city, including endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police, [25] recognition for his bipartisan work as Auditor and Senator, [26] and his pragmatic vision for the city's future. [27]

In the Albuquerque mayoral runoff election on November 14, 2017, Keller defeated Lewis with 62% of the vote. [28] Keller resigned from his position as State Auditor on November 30, 2017.

2021 Albuquerque mayoral campaign

In November 2021, Keller won reelection to a second term. [29] He faced Manny Gonzales, a Democratic sheriff, and Eddy Aragon, a Republican radio host. Keller received 56% of the vote, winning outright rather than needing a runoff election because he achieved a majority. [30]

Mayor of Albuquerque

Inauguration

On December 1, 2017, Keller was sworn in as the 30th mayor of Albuquerque. [31] Keller named the first female chief administrative officer, Sarita Nair. [32] [33]

After assuming office, Keller appointed new leadership at the Albuquerque Police Department. On November 28, 2017, Mayor Keller announced he would be naming Michael Geier as interim Chief-of-Police. In addition, Harold Medina, Rogelio "Roger" Banez, and Eric Garcia were named deputy chiefs. [34]

Sustainability

Mayor Keller issued an executive order for the City of Albuquerque to use 100% renewable energy by 2030. [35] including building a large solar farm on the nearby Jicarilla Reservation. [36]

Mayor Keller has committed to switching the City of Albuquerque to 100% renewables by 2025. [37]

Community Safety

Mayor Keller updated emergency response by creating a nationally recognized first-of-its-kind Community Safety Department sending trained professionals to non-violent 911 calls, ensuring the right response to calls for mental health, substance use, and homelessness — and freeing up police to focus on crime. [38]

In April 2021 Mayor Keller's administration cleared the Rape Kit backlog. [39]

Homeless Population

During Keller's second term, Albuquerque's homeless population increased year-over-year. In 2021, the city's homeless population was 1,152, increasing 13.8% in 2022 to 1,311. In 2023, the city's homeless population was 2,394, an 83% increase from 2022.. [40]

City Improvements

Mayor Keller established the Gateway Center, which aims to help 1,000 people per day, and the largest investment focused on helping the unhoused, addicted and people with mental health issues in state history. [41]

During Mayor Keller's time as Mayor the City of Albuquerque has invested over $200 million in new parks, libraries, housing, splash pads, street lights, road repairs, and community centers in underserved and historic neighborhoods. [42]

Personal life

An avid football player, Keller played quarterback for Albuquerque's professional indoor football team, the Duke City Gladiators, for their 2018 season opener. [43] [44] Keller is an avid fan of heavy metal music and was profiled as the “#MetalMayor” by The New York Times and has introduced a number of bands live on stage in Albuquerque. He is particularly fond of the thrash, progressive, and glam sub-genres of heavy metal, with Anthrax, Battlecross, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Motley Crue, Pantera, Sepultura, System of a Down, Testament, and Trivium being among his favorite bands and has commented that his love for the genre has impacted many areas of his life, including his dedication to public service. [45] He is also an advocate for Dyslexia awareness after being diagnosed with the disorder himself and re-learning various reading and processing skills as an adult. [46]

Electoral history

Tim Keller
Tim Keller (48072699053) (cropped).jpg
Keller in 2019
30th Mayor of Albuquerque
Assumed office
December 1, 2017
New Mexico State Senate 17th District Democratic Primary Election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticTim Keller1,61466
DemocraticShannon Robinson83234
New Mexico State Senate 17th District Election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticTim Keller9,275100
New Mexico State Senate 17th District Democratic Primary Election, 2012
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticTim Keller (inc.)7,48165
RepublicanShannon Robinson4,05735
New Mexico Auditor Election, 2014
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticTim Keller270,38654
RepublicanRobert Aragon228,01946
Mayor of Albuquerque 2017 Election Results
PartyCandidateVotesPercentage
DemocratTim Keller38,15639%
RepublicanDan Lewis22,23823%
DemocratBrian Colon15,88416%
RepublicanWayne Johnson9,34210%
DemocratAugustus "Gus" Pedrotty6,6387%
IndependentMichelle Garcia Holmes3,7484%
IndependentSusan Wheeler-Deichsel4901%
RepublicanRicardo Chavez4750%
Total Votes96,971100%
Albuquerque Mayoral Runoff Election, 2017
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticTim Keller60,21962
RepublicanDan Lewis36,59438
Mayor of Albuquerque 2021 Election Results
PartyCandidateVotesPercentage
DemocratTim Keller66,25156%
DemocratManuel Gonzales III30,33725%
RepublicanEddy Aragon21,81518%
Total Votes118,403100%

See also

References

  1. "Twitter". Mobile.twitter.com. November 22, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  2. "404" (PDF). Sos.state.nm.us. Retrieved May 22, 2017.{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  3. Romo, Rene (June 4, 2008). "ABQjournal Elex: Several Longtime Lawmakers Unseated". Abqjournal.com. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  4. "Error - New Mexico Legislature". Nmlegis.gov. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  5. "Error - New Mexico Legislature". nmlegis.gov. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  6. "Dems Elect New Leaders". Abqjournal.com. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  7. "Sen. Tim Keller to run for state auditor, pass on 2014 gov's race | Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  8. "Why I'm Running". timkellerfornewmexico. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  9. ""Breaking Bad"-Themed Political Ad Might Be Best Political Ad Ever". Buzzfeed.com. October 15, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  10. "2016 New Mexico Election Results". KOB. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  11. Chief, Dan Boyd | Journal Capitol Bureau (November 3, 2018). "Padilla corruption case moves forward". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  12. Writers, Jessica Dyer and Geoff Grammer | Journal Staff (November 10, 2017). "Athletics audit slams UNM's financial structure". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  13. Writer, Rick Nathanson | Journal Staff (February 23, 2017). "Audit finds 31 issues at state insurance office". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  14. "State auditor announces bid for ABQ mayor » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. January 11, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  15. "Albuquerque Police Department Seeing Increase in Recruits". krqe.com. May 1, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
  16. "Keller qualifies for public funding » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. April 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  17. KRQE Media (October 3, 2017). "Tim Keller to face Dan Lewis in runoff election for mayor". Krqe.com. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  18. KRQE Media (September 11, 2017). "2017 Albuquerque Mayoral Debate". Krqe.com. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  19. "REPLAY: The #ABQ4ward Mayoral Debate in full | KOB 4". Kob.com. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  20. "2017 MiABQ Mayoral Forum". YouTube. August 30, 2017. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  21. "2017 Albuquerque Mayoral #RealTalk Forum (HQ repost)". YouTube. May 20, 2013. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  22. "Candidate Q&A: Tim Keller's Alibi interview [Video]". Alibi.com. April 6, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  23. Oxford, Andrew (October 7, 2017). "Albuquerque election hints at what's ahead | Local News". santafenewmexican.com. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  24. "Keller, Lewis headed for mayoral runoff » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. October 4, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  25. "Albuquerque police union endorses Keller » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. September 21, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  26. "In Senate, Keller 'stood up to overreach of power by governors' » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. November 9, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  27. "Editorial: Keller's leadership, experience needed » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. November 10, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  28. "Tim Keller wins Albuquerque's mayoral race". Kob.com. November 14, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  29. "Tim Keller wins reelection as Albuquerque mayor". KRQE NEWS 13. November 3, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  30. "Tim Keller wins reelection as mayor of Albuquerque". Business Insider .
  31. "WATCH: Mayor Tim Keller's official inauguration ceremony". Koat.com. December 1, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  32. "Mayor-elect names four key appointments » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. November 27, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  33. "Mayor-elect Tim Keller planning transition into new office | KOB 4". Kob.com. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  34. "Keller's pick for APD interim chief draws praise » Albuquerque Journal". Abqjournal.com. November 28, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  35. "Albuquerque ranked 3rd in new study for solar energy production". May 29, 2020.
  36. "Major public-private solar project gets OK". March 27, 2020.
  37. "Solar ABCs". City of Albuquerque. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  38. "Mayor Keller announces new Albuquerque Community Safety Department". KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. June 15, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  39. "New Mexico city ends backlog of untested rape evidence kits". AP News. April 30, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  40. "Albuquerque's homeless crisis amid housing shortages, rising rent". koat.com. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
  41. "Progress at the Gateway Center Continues". City of Albuquerque. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  42. "Mayor Keller's 2021 State of the City: Leading through Uncharted Territory, Lays Out Albuquerque's Road to Recovery". City of Albuquerque. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  43. "Mayor Tim Keller Quarterbacks the Duke City Gladiators - YouTube". www.youtube.com. September 12, 2019. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  44. Writer, Bob Christ | Journal Staff (March 9, 2018). "From mayor to quarterback: Keller to play for Gladiators in exhibition". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  45. Romero, Simon (April 18, 2018). "For Albuquerque's Headbanger Mayor, Power Comes in Power Chords (Published 2018)". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  46. Walz, Kent (December 31, 2017). "Tim Keller, Albuquerque's new mayor, takes the reins". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
Political offices
Preceded by Auditor of New Mexico
2015–2017
Succeeded by
Preceded by Mayor of Albuquerque
2017–present
Incumbent