Supporters were just starting to trickle out of the Center for Progress and Justice building on Cerrillos Road where Michael Garcia was holding his mayoral campaign watch party Tuesday night.

Those who stayed got to witness the excitement shortly after 10:20 p.m. as Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark released the results of the ranked choice election — she announced Garcia had won the Santa Fe mayor's race after several rounds of tallying.

Garcia, a city councilor, hugged his wife, Elisha Valdez, who jumped up and down in his arms.

He thanked his supporters at the campaign event, who included friends, family members and city employees.

"It's an absolute honor to stand here to be your next mayor, the mayor of the city we all love," said Garcia, who wore a blue suit and the tennis sho

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