Candidates file for June 2 primary election

Ashley Nespoli - Nelson, running for Magistrate Judge Division 1
CLEMENTINE MILLER/Taos News

The excerpt below appears in Taos News from March 12, 2026 by Stephanie Gates:

The Taos County Clerk's Office was busier than usual Tuesday (March 10) morning. Candidate filing day brought aspiring and incumbent public officials from across the county to sign their intent to run for office in the June 2 primary election.

While candidate filing day showcases an initial glimpse at the ballot, more candidates may emerge on March 17, write-in candidate filing day, at the Taos County Clerk's Office located at 105 Albright St. Suite D.

Write-in candidates must provide a nominating petition with a certain number of signatures: for state senator or state representative, three percent of the total vote of the candidate's party in the district; for other offices, two percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in the district.

Magistrate judge

One of the earliest arrivals was Ashley R Nespoli-Nelson, a Democrat running for Taos County Division I Magistrate Judge.

"I'm excited. I was the former court manager of the magistrate court in the district court, and I feel like this is just an extension of my time there to continue," Nespoli-Nelson said.

Nespoli-Nelson is running against three Democratic challengers: Eddie A. Lucero, who lost the Nov. 4 2025 election for Town of Taos Municipal Judge in a coin toss, former Taos County Sheriff Jerry L. Hogrefe and local attorney Day G Thornton.

Democratic incumbent Sara Anne Blankenhorn is the sole candidate running for Magistrate Judge in District 2.

Read the full article here: Candidates file for June 2 primary election