Although the filing date is weeks away, two new candidates have tossed their hats into the ring and will run for mayor of Socorro.

Jim Burleson announced his bid for mayor on a new Facebook page, JimB4Mayor. Burleson is a New Mexico native with extensive ties in the entertainment and film industry and is the organizer and producer of Comic Con Albuquerque and Comic Con Santa Fe.

Maryann Chavez-Lopez has confirmed with El Defensor Chieftain that she is running for mayor. Her plan is to make a statement and post it on her personal Facebook page by June 30, and establish a campaign page later in July. Chavez-Lopez currently serves on the City Council and is executive director of the El Camino Real Housing Authority.

Also in the running are incumbent Mayor Bhasker and JC Trujillo, CFO of Positive Outcomes.

In addition to the mayoral race, Socorro has seats on the city council up for election as well as Socorro Consolidated Schools board places.

The official filing deadline is Aug. 29, and the election will be Nov. 7. The Chieftain will continue to follow this developing story. Look for profiles of candidates in the coming weeks.

Jay Ann Cox, El Defensor Chieftain Editor