Governor of New Mexico facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor of New Mexico
Seal of the governor
Incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham since January 1, 2019 (2019-01-01)
Style	Governor (informal) The Honorable (formal)
Residence	New Mexico Governor's Mansion
Term length	Four years, renewable once consecutively
Constituting instrument	New Mexico Constitution
Precursor	Governor of Nuevo México Spanish governors Mexican governors Governor of New Mexico Territory
Inaugural holder	William C. McDonald
Formation	January 14, 1912 (113 years ago) (1912-01-14)
Succession	Line of succession
Deputy	Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico
Salary	$110,000 (2022)

The Governor of New Mexico (Spanish: gobernador de Nuevo México) is the main leader of the state of New Mexico. This person is in charge of the state's executive branch, which carries out laws. They also lead the New Mexico National Guard. The job of governor has a long history. It goes back to the Spanish and Mexican leaders of Nuevo México (starting in 1598). Later, there were governors for the New Mexico Territory (from 1851). The current governor is Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat. She became the 32nd governor of New Mexico on January 1, 2019.

History of New Mexico's Governors

When the United States military took control of New Mexico in 1846, a military governor was put in charge. Sometimes, civilian governors helped them. In 1850, New Mexico became a Territory. The President of the United States then chose the governor. The official job of governor was created in 1912. This happened when New Mexico became the 47th state in the United States.

Becoming Governor: What It Takes

Who Can Be Governor?

The New Mexico Constitution explains the rules for becoming governor. To be governor, a person must be a citizen of the United States. They must also be at least 30 years old. Plus, they need to have lived in New Mexico for at least five years before the election.

How Long Does a Governor Serve?

A governor can be elected many times. However, they cannot serve more than two terms in a row. If a governor serves two terms back-to-back, they must wait one full term before running again.

Working with the Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico is chosen along with the governor. They run together as a team in the general elections.

What Powers Does the Governor Have?

The governor leads the Executive Branch of New Mexico's state government. But they do not have all the power. Other state leaders are also elected to their jobs. These include the lieutenant governor, the secretary of state, and the attorney general.

Important Jobs of the Governor

The governor has several key responsibilities. They give a yearly speech called the State of the State address to the New Mexico State Legislature. They also propose the state's budget. Another important job is making sure that state laws are followed.

Where Does the Governor Live?

Since 1954, the Governor of New Mexico has lived in the New Mexico Governor's Mansion. Before this, the governor's home was next to the New Mexico State Capitol in downtown Santa Fe. Even earlier, before 1909, the governor lived in the Palace of the Governors. This palace is a National Historic Landmark. It is the oldest public building in the United States that has been used continuously.

Who Takes Over if the Governor Can't Serve?

If the governor cannot do their job, there is a clear plan for who takes over. This can happen if the governor passes away, resigns, is removed from office, or is too sick to serve. The lieutenant governor is the first person in line to become governor.

If there is no lieutenant governor, or if they cannot do the job, the Secretary of State becomes governor. If there is no Secretary of State, then the President pro Tempore of the Senate takes over. If that person also cannot serve, then the Speaker of the House becomes governor.

Timeline of New Mexico Governors

Timeline of New Mexico governors

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Gobernadores de Nuevo México para niños