Gallup voters weigh change, compassion and leadership in mayoral race

By Kyle Leslie
Navajo Times

GALLUP

As polls closed Tuesday night in Gallup’s three-way mayoral race, many residents spoke of change and community. Some residents said this year’s election feels different and deeply personal. For the first time, the city could elect a Diné mayor.

On the ballot are Lyndon B. Tsosie, Timaris A. Montaño and Marc A. DePauli, each offering a distinct vision for Gallup’s future.

Tsosie, a well-known silversmith, entrepreneur and advocate for community inclusion, said during a brief phone interview that the race represents “a change for Gallup to move forward together.”

“If you’re young and have the ability of foresight, humility and compassion, you can do the exact same thing,” Tsosie said. “Thirty-five years ago, I left Albuquerque with my daughter, $20 in my pocket and $30 worth of silver.

“Now I might be the next mayor of Gallup, the first Navajo in the city’s history. I want the community involved, watching and helping us push progressive ideas to help Gallup grow economically and with compassion,” he said.

Tsosie said homelessness and the city’s unsheltered population remain among his top concerns.

“Not everyone who’s unsheltered is an addict or alcoholic,” he said. “Some are just people who fell behind on bills or live hours away in surrounding cities. We have to be compassionate and give them a chance to raise their children in balance.”

That message has resonated with many voters.

Elaine Henderson, a Diné homeowner in Gallup, said she supports Tsosie because “he’s bringing out the hard conversations that are difficult to have when you’re non-Native.”

“He understands what we’re faced with as Gallup property owners,” Henderson said. “He wants to create positions or a task force in government that connects with our neighbors. Maybe we can’t eliminate the problem completely, but we can lessen the impact.”

Henderson added that Tsosie’s business background and mentorship of young entrepreneurs also stand out.

“He’s taught our youth what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” she said. “His win will bring us to the table in a different way. We’ve helped build what Gallup is with our money, and it’s time we had a turn at that table.”

Kodee Artis, 32, echoed that support.

“I agree with a lot of what he has to say,” Artis said. “The infrastructure here needs more emphasis, and I think he’ll represent us well. It’s time for a Navajo mayor.”

Still, not all voters agreed. Savannah Sherman, 34, said she cast her ballot for candidate Timaris A. Montaño.

“Gallup needs change,” Sherman said. “With her integrity and experience, I think we’ll be heading in the right direction.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said education remains their top concern because of their grandchildren.

For some business owners, public safety and homelessness top the list of priorities.

Shauna Piano, 44, said she hopes the next administration tackles what she calls Gallup’s “transient problem.”

“I’m a business owner and have had over $15,000 worth of damage to my shop in the past three months,” Piano said. “The city isn’t doing anything, and it’s very disappointing. They have to get a handle on it.”

Marc A. DePauli, a longtime Gallup resident, said his campaign centers on safety and sustainability.

“I’m running because I want to make sure the city of Gallup has leadership, a safe water supply, and that everybody feels safe at home,” DePauli said. “We need to make Gallup a place where our kids can come back and live.”

As unofficial results began trickling in Tuesday night, turnout remained modest.

“I was voter number 888,” Piano said early in the evening. “I hope more people come in.”

Whatever the outcome, many residents said the race has already sparked something different –open conversation.

“We’re finally having those hard conversations about what kind of Gallup we want to be and that’s a start,” Henderson added.

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