Stephanie Garcia Richard (born April 21, 1978) is an American educator and Democratic politician from New Mexico. She served as the 6th New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands from 2015 to 2022, becoming the first Hispanic woman elected to a statewide executive office in New Mexico. Since January 2023, she has been a member of the New Mexico Senate, representing District 30.
Early life and education
Garcia Richard was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in History from the University of New Mexico. She later obtained a Master of Public Administration from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Career in education
Before entering elective politics, Garcia Richard worked as an educator and administrator. She served as a teacher and later as a director of the New Mexico Department of Education’s Hispanic Student Success Initiative, focusing on improving academic outcomes for Hispanic students.
Political career
Commissioner of Public Lands (2015–2022)
Garcia Richard was first elected Commissioner of Public Lands in 2014, defeating Republican incumbent Ray Powell. She was re‑elected in 2018. In this role, she oversaw the management of approximately 9 million acres of state trust lands, responsible for generating revenue for public schools, hospitals, and other beneficiaries. Her tenure emphasized renewable energy development, historic preservation, and increasing transparency in land leasing and sales.
New Mexico Senate (2023–present)
In the 2022 elections, Garcia Richard ran for the open Senate seat in District 30, covering parts of Albuquerque. She won the Democratic primary and the general election, taking office in January 2023. In the Senate, she serves on committees related to energy, public lands, and education, and has advocated for policies supporting clean energy, water resources, and higher education funding.
Political positions
Garcia Richard’s policy priorities include expanding renewable energy projects on state lands, enhancing educational opportunities for under‑served communities, and protecting natural and cultural resources. She supports bipartisan collaboration on land management and has promoted increased access to tribal lands for economic development.
Personal life
Garcia Richard is married to Juan Richard; the couple has two children. She is active in community organizations focused on education, Hispanic heritage, and environmental stewardship.
References
- New Mexico Secretary of State, Election Results, 2014 & 2018.
- New Mexico Senate Official Biography, 2023.
- “Stephanie Garcia Richard Becomes First Hispanic Woman Elected to Statewide Office,” Albuquerque Journal, November 4 2014.
This article reflects information available from publicly documented sources as of 2026.
