David Cargo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Cargo
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| 22nd Governor of New Mexico | |
| In office January 1, 1967 – January 1, 1971 |
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| Lieutenant | Lee Francis |
| Preceded by | Jack M. Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Bruce King |
| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1, 1963 – January 1, 1967 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
David Francis Cargo
January 13, 1929 Dowagiac, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | July 5, 2013 (aged 84) Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Resting place | Santa Fe National Cemetery Santa Fe, New Mexico |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan (BA, MA, LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1953-1955 |
David Francis Cargo (born January 13, 1929 – died July 5, 2013) was an American lawyer and politician. He served as the 22nd governor of New Mexico from 1967 to 1971. He was known for being one of the youngest governors in U.S. history.
Contents
David Cargo's Early Life and Education
David Cargo was born in Dowagiac, Michigan. He was the oldest of three children. His parents were Francis and Mary Harton Cargo.
He studied at the University of Michigan. He earned three degrees from this university. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 1951. Then, he got a Master of Arts in 1953. In 1957, he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree.
David Cargo's Political Career
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David Cargo began his political career in the New Mexico House of Representatives. He represented the Albuquerque area from 1963 to 1967. While a representative, he helped win a lawsuit. This lawsuit led to fairer representation in the state legislature.
Becoming Governor of New Mexico
In 1966, David Cargo ran for governor. He was elected at the age of 37. This made him one of the youngest governors in U.S. history. He won the election against Democrat Gene Lusk.
He ran for governor again in 1968. He won by a very small margin. He defeated Democrat Fabian Chavez Jr. in a close race.
Key Actions as Governor
As governor, David Cargo did many important things. He created the state film commission. This commission helped bring many movies to New Mexico. These movies brought millions of dollars to the state. Cargo even appeared in a few films himself. He had small roles in Bunny O'Hare (1971) and Up in the Cellar (1970). During his first campaign, people called him "Lonesome Dave."
In May 1970, there was a protest at the UNM campus. People were protesting the Vietnam War. Governor Cargo sent the National Guard to the campus. The National Guard was ordered to end the protest. A lawsuit was filed against Cargo and the guardsmen. A jury later decided in favor of Cargo and the National Guard.
Later Political Races
David Cargo could not run for a third term as governor in 1970. He then tried to become a U.S. Senator. He ran in 1970 and 1972 but did not win the primary elections.
After his time as governor, Cargo moved to Oregon. He lived there from 1973 to 1985. He ran for Oregon State Treasurer in 1984 but was not successful.
He later returned to New Mexico. He continued to run for different political offices. He ran for Congress in 1986. He also ran for mayor of Albuquerque in 1989 and 1993. In 1994, he tried to become governor again. His final political race was for Albuquerque mayor in 1997. Although he ran many times, he did not win these later elections.
David Cargo continued to work as a lawyer in Albuquerque. In 2010, he wrote a book about his life. It was called Lonesome Dave. The library at Luna Community College in Mora, New Mexico, is named after him.
David Cargo's Personal Life
David Cargo was married to Ida Jo. They had five children together. Their names are Veronica, David, Patrick, Elena, and Eamon.
David Cargo's Passing
David Cargo passed away on July 5, 2013. He was 84 years old. He died from problems related to a stroke he had two years earlier.
See also
In Spanish: David Cargo para niños
