Shannon Reynolds was elected to the Doňa Ana County Commission for District 3 in 2018. District 3 consists of southeastern Doña Ana County including Las Alturas, Telshor, Foothills, the Talavera, and University Hills neighborhoods, NMSU, White Sands Missile Range, Fort Bliss (in Doña Ana County), Chaparral and Tortugas. His focus throughout his 7 years as Commissioner included major improvements in the fire department, and ambulance service, and inter-agency public safety dispatch and communications systems. Shannon resigned his position as County Commissioner in early December of last year to run for County Assessor. The issues he would like to address as Assessor include outdated property reassessments, staffing shortages and the offices inability to assure the County meets state requirements. He has also been a strong supporter of Project Jupiter, an AI data center campus being developed by BorderPlex Digital Assets.
Before moving to New Mexico in 2015, Shannon was a City councilman in Milford, Ohio. He volunteered to serve in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam despite receiving a Class-H exemption from the draft and was a Disbursement Accounting Specialist at Chanute AFB and a Security Police augmentee.
Shannon’s campaign website is not yet up but his campaign can be supported at Act Blue
Vanessa Ordoñez is running for Sheriff of Doña Ana County. Vanessa was raised in Las Cruces, NM by Mexican American parents. She attended Oñate High School where she was part of the junior ROTC program and a varsity cheerleader. After graduating high school, she joined the United States Navy, serving onboard the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman during the war against Iraq. Following active duty service in the Navy Vanessa became a mother of two and relocated to Doña Ana County where she continued a career path in law enforcement and public service. Most recently, she was Chief of Police in Anthony, NM, which was, under her leadership, ranked the #1 safest city to live in New Mexico in 2025. She is an active U. S. Navy Reservist serving as a Master at Arms. On Vanessa’s campaign website, she writes: “The people of Doña Ana County deserve a Sheriff who listens and works tirelessly to ensure that every family feels safe, respected, and valued. Vanessa Ordoñez’s priorities reflect her belief in community-driven leadership, where law enforcement partners with the community to build lasting trust, prevent crime, and create a safer future for all. As the Democratic candidate for Doña Ana County Sheriff, Vanessa is committed to protecting public safety while upholding civil rights, dignity, and opportunity for every resident. These priorities are only possible with your support. Together, we can build a safer, stronger Doña Ana County.” Vanessa is currently VMFC Vice-Chair for Congressional District 2. You can visit her campaign website HERE.
