Two new faces will join the Sandoval County Commission in January.

Darryl Madalena, a Democrat from Jemez Pueblo, was elected to the District 5 seat. Glenn Walters, a Rio Rancho Republican, was elected to the District 4 seat. Corrales Democrat Donnie Leonard’s re-election campaign was also successful.

Madalena picked up 6,243 votes, 68 percent, to defeat Republican Leonard Armijo. The former Santa Ana Pueblo Governor picked up 2,913votes. Armijo said he is heavily considering running for Sheriff in two years.

On the campaign trail, Madalena said that infrastructure improvements must be made.

“Right now, I want to observe the meetings with the current commission and pick the minds of the commissioners,” Madalena said.

He won’t have to go too far to pick the mind of a commissioner, considering his cousin Joshua Madalena is the chair of the commission.

Madalena campaigned hard in the rural communities.

He is following in his father James Roger Madalena’s footsteps. The elder Madalena was a commissioner in the mid-’70s and has been a state representative since 1985.

The younger Madalena said the main issue is water.

“Rio Rancho is growing fast and the water is a big need, but we can’t take away water from the rural areas,” Madalena said. “That is their way of life.”

Walters picked up 4,896 votes, 51 percent, to defeat Democrat Sylvia Martinez, who picked up 4,788 votes.

“I am humbled by the support from the voters and I thank God, my family, my supporters and contributors,” Walters said. “Now, it is a matter of continuing to listen to residents and start orienting myself in the next couple months to what the current happenings are. I will meet with each department in Sandoval County and go from there.”

On Election Day, Walters did not head to parties. Rather, he picked up his signs that were scattered all over Rio Rancho.

“By the time it is over and done with, people like to have their neighborhoods without signs,” Walters said. “It’s time to move on. There is no reason to have signs out there.”

Walters said his proven record of leadership helped put him over the top.

“A lot of people in the community know who I am,” Walters said. “I have a positive message for the future and at the same time I would like to applaud Juanita Martinez. I thought she did a great job and I look forward to working with her in the future in whatever capacity she chooses.”

On the campaign trail, Walters said meeting the basic infrastructure and related needs of residents is the most important issue facing the district.

He said the county must ensure there is sustainable quality water, efficient roadways, affordable and reliable public transportation, effective drainage systems, waste management and safe and secure neighborhoods.

Leonard cruised to re-election, picking up 7,385 votes, 55 percent. Kim Rytter had a strong showing, gaining 6,036 votes.

Leonard said he is looking forward to the next four years.

“I am real happy that the trust was bestowed on me once again. I appreciate the trust and confidence from the voters,” Leonard said. “I want to ensure the county continues to offer the services we have been giving residents, like healthcare, fire, safety and senior programs.”

Leonard said he wants the county to continue its work on the desalinization project at the Rio Puerco in the western end of the county.

“This is the backbone that will bring transportation, communication and water in the area to a reality,” Leonard said. “This will help us attract large employers with good pay and good salaries. They will provide jobs on the West Side.”

Leonard said that as the population continues to grow it is imperative to have more jobs on the West Side to curtail commuting times and traffic congestion that goes into Albuquerque in the morning and back into Sandoval County in the evening.

Leonard also wants to finish work on the Northwest Loop and improve the communications system with a broadband initiative.

“By combining all those things, it will make it more attractive for large corporations with good-paying jobs to come to our portion of the world,” Leonard said. “Whether you are for growth or against it, it doesn’t matter. It is going to happen. The best thing is to prepare for it and make it work.”