Trinidad elects a new mayor

Trinidad elected a new mayor Tuesday night in a special election.

Bernadette Baca Gonzalez beat out Joe Bonato by a large margin.

With 100% of precincts reporting, Baca Gonzalez had 1,096 votes, compared to 471 votes for Bonato.

The special election was organized after former mayor John Rino stepped down amid ongoing political controversy in Trinidad.

Baca Gonzalez is a member of the Trinidad City Council. She will be sworn in as mayor Wednesday night.

City council will have 45 days to appoint a replacement for Baca Gonzalez on city council.