BILL RICHARDSON
Bill Richardson was elected Governor of New Mexico in 2002 by the largest margin of any candidate since 1964. In his first year of office, the legislature adopted virtually all of his wide-ranging agenda that includes initiatives for education reform, economic growth, water use and conservation, health care and lower prescription drug costs for senior citizens.
Prior to his election, Governor Richardson enjoyed a successful and fulfilling career in public service. After working on various legislative staffs, he was elected in 1982 to the first of eight terms in the U.S. Congress, representing northern New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District. While a congressman, he served as a special U.S. envoy on many sensitive international missions. He won the release of hostages, American servicemen, and prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, and Cuba. He served on a number of important committees, including co-chair and subsequently chair of the Democratic Platform Committee.
In 1997, Governor Richardson became United States Ambassador to the United Nations, where he addressed many difficult international negotiating challenges and crises all over the world. He served as Secretary of Energy in the Clinton administration and taught at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Most recently he was chair of Freedom House, a private, non-partisan organization that promotes democracy worldwide.
Governor Richardson earned a B.A. from Tufts University in 1970 and an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1971. He was elected to the Tufts Board of Trustees in 2003 and currently serves on the Board of Overseers for the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service.
Last updated: December 7, 2007
