A tight Albuquerque mayoral runoff between Tim Keller and Darren White faces low turnout and a recount amid ethics concerns.

Albuquerque’s Dec. 9 mayoral runoff between incumbent Tim Keller and former sheriff Darren White remains tightly contested, with low early turnout—about 82,000 ballots cast—raising concerns over voter engagement. The race, triggered by neither candidate securing a majority in November, has drawn scrutiny over a campaign controversy involving anonymous distribution of “I ♥ Tim Keller” sweatshirts to homeless individuals, which Keller’s team claims violates ethics rules. A recount is underway in 34 close races, including the mayoral contest, as officials await final absentee ballots by 7 p.m. on election day. The runoff, projected to cost $1.6 million, marks a pivotal moment for city leadership amid ongoing challenges in public safety, economic development, and urban management.