New Mexico Governor. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 24th Governor of New Mexico from 1975 to 1979. An exceptional high school football player, he enrolled at the University of New Mexico where he played collegiate football while earning his Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, he served as a reservist with the United States Marine Corps, worked as a high school football coach and founded his own insurance company. He entered the political arena when he was elected to and served in the New Mexico State Legislature (1966 to 1974) and in 1975, he succeeded Bruce King as Governor of New Mexico, thus making him the first Hispanic to serve at that capacity. During his tenure, a new, reorganized cabinet was established for the governorship. Additionally, Apodaca prioritized efforts to elevate Hispanics to more critical roles in business. In 1978, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve as Chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (1978 to 1980). After leaving office, he co-founded the Hispanic publication Vista Magazine, in addition to having his own radio talk-show program. During the 1990s, he had an unsuccessful bid to return to the governorship. He died from an apparent stroke.
New Mexico Governor. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 24th Governor of New Mexico from 1975 to 1979. An exceptional high school football player, he enrolled at the University of New Mexico where he played collegiate football while earning his Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, he served as a reservist with the United States Marine Corps, worked as a high school football coach and founded his own insurance company. He entered the political arena when he was elected to and served in the New Mexico State Legislature (1966 to 1974) and in 1975, he succeeded Bruce King as Governor of New Mexico, thus making him the first Hispanic to serve at that capacity. During his tenure, a new, reorganized cabinet was established for the governorship. Additionally, Apodaca prioritized efforts to elevate Hispanics to more critical roles in business. In 1978, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve as Chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (1978 to 1980). After leaving office, he co-founded the Hispanic publication Vista Magazine, in addition to having his own radio talk-show program. During the 1990s, he had an unsuccessful bid to return to the governorship. He died from an apparent stroke.
Bio by: C.S.
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