The race is officially on. Tuesday was filing day for candidates seeking Santa Fe County offices in the upcoming June primary.

Most of the candidates for County Commission and county assessor had made their intentions known weeks ago, and there were no surprises Tuesday.

But the mood at the County Administration Building was jovial as the declared candidates drew "magic shamrocks" out of a St. Patrick's Day hat to determine their position on the ballot as their supporters looked on.

In the assessor's race, former County Commissioner Paul Duran and incumbent County Assessor Domingo Martinez flipped a coin to see who would draw first. Martinez won the coin toss but drew No. 2. Duran drew No. 3. Former County Assessor Benito Martinez Jr. — who is hoping to recapture the post after sitting out a term — arrived late, but was pleased to learn he will be listed first on the ballot.

Ballot position could be a significant issue in this race in which two of the candidates — Domingo Martinez and Benito Martinez — share the same last name.

Sef I. Valdez, a political newcomer, drew first ballot position in the District 1 County Commission race.

Valdez, a contractor who has never held public office before, is one of five candidates seeking to replace termed-out Commissioner Harry Montoya in District 1, the county's northernmost district, which includes the communities of Pojoaque, Nambé and Tesuque.

His opponents, in ballot order, will be basketball coach Leonard J. Roybal; community organizer Paul White; state Public Regulation Commission Chief of Staff Daniel "Danny" Mayfield; and contractor Jon Paul Romero. Mayfield's 7-year-old son, Devan, drew No. 4 for his father.

Three candidates filed to replace District 3 County Commissioner Michael Anaya, who can't run for re-election because of term limits.

Former Green Party candidate for governor of New Mexico David E. Bacon will be listed first on the ballot, followed by Department of Transportation community relations director Robert A. Anaya — Michael Anaya's younger brother — and Santa Fe Public Schools Board President Angélica Ruiz.

District 3 is the largest of the five County Commission districts and includes most of the southwest portion of the county, including Galisteo, Lamy, Cerrillos and Madrid.

Because there are no Republican candidates in any of these races, the office holders will be chosen by registered Democrats in the June primary. New Mexico election laws do not allow voters to cross party lines in primary elections.

The New Mexico Democratic Party will hold a forum for District 3 candidates at 6:30 p.m. March 23 at Ortiz Middle School; and a forum for District 1 candidates at 6:30 p.m. April 1 at Fort Marcy Recreation Complex.

Contact Phaedra Haywood at 986-3068 or phaywood@sfnewmexican.com.