Mike Smith

Artesia Daily Press

msmith@elritomedia.com

Artesia mayor pro tem Jeffrey Youtsey will serve as Artesia’s new mayor, according to unofficial election results.

Artesia residents voted Tuesday to have Youtsey, 61, replace outgoing Mayor Jonathan Henry, who decided not to run for a second term.

Youtsey defeated challenger Terrance Todd in a close race.

Youtsey had 51% of the vote, while Todd had 49% of the votes cast across Artesia.

Artesia will have some new city council members. In District 2, Joseph W. Wright, defeated challenger Nathan Ryno 54% to 46%.

In District 3, former councilor Kent Bratcher returns defeating write-in candidate Matteo Doporto 79% to 21%.

In District 4, former city councilor Terry Hill defeated challenger Charles Morgan Wagner II 50.4% to 49.5%.

Incumbent District 1 councilor Raul Rodriguez received a free pass as did District 4 councilor Michael Bunt. He was appointed to the position in 2024 and was voted to finish out the term until 2028.

Hayley Klein, Artesia city administrator, said the results would be canvassed by the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday.

More information coming soon to artesianews.com and Thursday’s Artesia Daily Press.