ALBUQUERQUE — Incumbent Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller is heading to a runoff election with former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White after neither captured enough of a lead Tuesday to clinch the crowded race.

Keller, a two-term mayor and Democrat, and White, the Republican, faced off against a slew of other candidates, including City Councilor Louie Sanchez and former U.S. District Attorney Alex Uballez. The race is technically nonpartisan.

Keller maintained a lead, garnering 38% of the vote as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, with White earning 31% of the vote. Uballez gained a little over 17% of the vote.

The runoff election will be held Dec. 9, according to Bernalillo County Clerk Michelle Kavanaugh.

The results weren’t a surprise to Keller, who said his campaign had been preparing for months

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