Harold Pope Jr.
Harold Pope | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Mexico Senate from the 23rd district | |
| Assumed office January 19, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Sander Rue |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Pueblo, Colorado, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | University of New Mexico (BS) University of Florida (MS) Air University (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | File:Flag of the United States Air Force.svg United States Air Force |
Harold Pope Jr. is an American politician and retired United States Air Force officer serving as a member of the New Mexico Senate from the 23rd district. Elected in 2020, he defeated incumbent Republican Sander Rue. He assumed office on January 19, 2021.
Early life and education
[edit | edit source]Pope was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and worked as a dental technician. Pope then left active duty and enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, earning Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of New Mexico. After graduation he was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program and went back on active duty serving as a Chemist & Acquisitions Officer. Pope later earned a Master of Science in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts in operational leadership from the Air Command and Staff College at Air University.[1]
Career
[edit | edit source]After earning his bachelor's degree, Pope was commissioned in the Air Force as an officer, working as an acquisitions officer and chemist. He specialized in satellite programs, weapon systems, and nuclear deterrence.[2] After his retirement, Pope was appointed as a facilities transition advisor in the administration of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.[3] In the November general election for the New Mexico Senate, Pope defeated incumbent Republican Sander Rue. When Pope assumed office in 2021, he became the first African-American member of the New Mexico Senate.[4]
In 2025, Pope announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election.[5] Running in the Democratic primary against Stephanie Garcia Richard and Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Pope would be the first African American Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico if elected.[6][7]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- 21st-century African-American politicians
- 21st-century members of the New Mexico Legislature
- African-American state legislators in New Mexico
- Air Command and Staff College alumni
- Democratic Party New Mexico state senators
- Living people
- Politicians from Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Politicians from Pueblo, Colorado
- University of Florida alumni
- University of New Mexico alumni