Environmental consultant and lobbyist Tammy Fiebelkorn and small business owner Renee Grout won their respective runoff elections Tuesday, filling out the Albuquerque City Council where Democrats maintain a majority of seats, despite the balance of power shifting slightly to the right in 2022.
Grout posted to Facebook Tuesday, thanking the district for support and stating she is humbled by the opportunity to move Albuquerque forward.
"I’m so excited about what the future holds for our beautiful city," Grout wrote in her post.
Both candidates appear focused on what have become top priority issues in Albuquerque – crime and homelessness – though Fiebelkorn has previously pledged a commitment to advocating for a clean energy economy. In a previous interview with the New Mexico Sun, Grout said current city policies have contributed to increases in both crime and homelessness.
"With the right leadership and the courage to change course, we can create a city where jobs are plentiful, crime is low, and the quality of life is high,” Grout told the New Mexico Sun earlier this month.
In a post Wednesday, Fiebelkorn thanked residents for choosing her to help represent the city, pledging to work hard to represent the people of District 7 through her role on the City Council.
"My marching orders are clear," Fiebelkorn wrote. "Over-and-over again, people told me they want their city councilor to reduce violence, help people experiencing homelessness, jump-start economic development and COVID recovery, take bold action to fight climate change, and protect animals. I heard you and I promise you I will focus on each of these issues."
This comes as Grout defeated legislative staffer and political operative Robert Grilley by securing 52% of the District 9 votes in the runoff election.
Fiebelkorn, a Democrat, won the District 7 seat, beating out candidate Lori Robertson with approximately 62% of the vote.