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Elections
Rio Rancho businesswoman announces bid for mayor
Aleitress Owens-Smith joins Mike Meek and Paul Wymer in 2026 race
RIO RANCHO — A local business woman who has never run for public office wants to become Rio Rancho's next mayor.
Aleitress Owens-Smith said she filed paperwork Dec. 22 for the March 3 municipal election. In the race to succeed Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, Owens-Smith joined a growing field of candidates, including Sandoval County commissioner Mike Meek and Paul Wymer, who represents District 4 on the Rio Rancho Governing Body.
In campaign materials, Owens-Smith said she is running for mayor to "ensure Rio Rancho is a safe, affordable and accountable community for its residents." She hopes to accomplish this by "leveraging her experience in serving and leading," materials state.
Owen-Smith's main endeavors include Aleitress Elevate Together Magazine and Aleitress Mobile Restrooms. She previously held a number of other jobs, including cashier, car salesperson, caregiver and receptionist.
Owens-Smith moved to Rio Rancho in 2012 and lives with her husband and one child who attends Rio Rancho Public Schools.
