With early voting in the crowded and closely watched Santa Fe mayor’s race set to begin in three weeks, JoAnne Vigil Coppler received a major boost to her campaign Monday: an endorsement from New Mexico’s chief executive.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement the former city councilor understands Santa Fe’s urgent challenges and has the managerial and leadership background to tackle them.

“I have a decades long relationship with JoAnne and know [she] is more than capable to lead the city,” the governor said.

“She has the experience and ability to get the work done from her years of work in government and as a successful small businesswoman,” Lujan Grisham added. “I’m proud to support and endorse her, and I encourage all Santa Feans to list her as their top candidate when they

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