Joseph Montoya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Montoya
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| United States Senator from New Mexico |
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| In office November 4, 1964 – January 3, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Edwin L. Mechem |
| Succeeded by | Harrison Schmitt |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's at-large district |
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| In office April 9, 1957 – November 3, 1964 |
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| Preceded by | Antonio M. Fernández |
| Succeeded by | Johnny Walker |
| 14th and 16th Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico | |
| In office January 1, 1955 – April 9, 1957 |
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| Governor | John F. Simms Edwin L. Mechem |
| Preceded by | Tibo J. Chávez |
| Succeeded by | Ed V. Mead |
| In office January 1, 1947 – January 1, 1951 |
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| Governor | Thomas J. Mabry |
| Preceded by | James B. Jones |
| Succeeded by | Tibo J. Chávez |
| Member of the New Mexico Senate | |
| In office 1940–1947 |
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| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives |
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| In office 1936–1940 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph Manuel Montoya
September 24, 1915 Pena Blanca, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | June 5, 1978 (aged 62) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Della Romero |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Regis University (BA) Georgetown University (LLB) |
Joseph Manuel Montoya (born September 24, 1915 – died June 5, 1978) was an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Montoya served in important roles for his home state of New Mexico. He was the Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico twice. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as a U.S. senator from New Mexico.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Montoya was born in Peña Blanca, New Mexico. His parents, Thomas and Frances Montoya, were Roman Catholic. Their family came from Spanish settlers who arrived in New Mexico in the 1700s.
Joseph went to public schools in Sandoval County. He finished high school at Bernalillo High School in 1931. He then studied at Regis College in Denver, Colorado. In 1934, he started law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C..
In 1936, when he was just 21, Montoya made history. He became the youngest person ever elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives. He was still studying law at Georgetown at the time. He finished law school in 1938 and was re-elected. The next year, he became the leader of the Democratic Party in the House.
Political Career
In 1940, Montoya was elected to the New Mexico Senate. Again, he was the youngest person ever elected to that group. By 1946, he had been re-elected twice. He also held important jobs like majority whip and chairman of the Judiciary Committee. From 1947 to 1957, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico three times. During this period, he also served two more terms in the State Senate.
In 1957, Montoya was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. This happened in a special election after Congressman Antonio M. Fernández passed away. In Congress, Montoya was known as a fair and dedicated Democrat. He worked hard on laws, which earned him respect from other lawmakers. In 1962, he won his election against Jack C. Redman.
In 1963, he joined the House Appropriations Committee. This committee decides how the government spends money. He strongly supported education and wrote the Vocational Education Act. This law helped people get job training. In 1964, he helped pass the Wilderness Act. This law protects natural wilderness areas.
Montoya won the 1964 Senate election. He took over the seat of Dennis Chavez, who had died. This began his twelve-year career as a U.S. Senator. In the Senate, he served on several important committees. These included the Appropriations Committee, the Public Works Committee, and the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. He also served on the Senate Watergate Committee. This committee investigated the Watergate scandal.
In 1976, Montoya lost his re-election bid to Republican Harrison Schmitt.
Death
Joseph Montoya passed away in Washington, D.C. when he was 62 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Joseph Montoya para niños
