Stephanie Garcia Richard

Stephanie M. Garcia Richard (born 1974/1975) is an American politician who currently serves as the New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands. Garcia Richard previously served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from January 2013 through December 2018, representing the 43rd district. She chaired the House Education Committee and served on the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and House Labor and Economic Development committee. Garcia Richard is the Democratic Party nominee for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election.

Education

Garcia Richard was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico and raised in Silver City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Barnard College of Columbia University, and her teaching certificate from UCLA.

Career

Garcia Richard has served in New Mexican politics since her first election 2012.

In March 2025, Garcia Richard announced her bid for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico and reportedly raised significantly more than her two opponents, Harold Pope Jr. and Maggie Toulouse Oliver, but Richard suspended her campaign in October 2025 after her husband was diagnosed with cancer .

New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands

Garcia Richard was elected as New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands during the 2018 New Mexico elections, and began serving in this position on January 1, 2019. She is the first woman and first Latina to serve in the position. Her deputy for public affairs is Tarin Nix.

New Mexico House of Representatives

Garcia Richard was first elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2012 for District 43. She represented the district from 2013 through 2018. She served on the Education and Labor & Economic Development committees. During the 2017 and 2018 Legislative Session, She served as chair for the House Education Committee. During her tenure in the House of Representatives, Garcia Richard sponsored 105 bills and acted as co-sponsor for 115 bills.

Personal life

Stephanie Garcia Richard was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and raised in Silver City. She is married to Eric Vasquez and has two adult children.

Election history

Election history of Stephanie Garcia Richard from 2010.

2018 General election

Incumbent Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn Jr. announced that he would not be seeking re-election due to his intention to run for United States Senator. This set forth an open election between State Representative Stephanie Garcia Richard, former Land Commissioner Patrick H. Lyons, and Michael Lucero.

Democratic primary election

2016

2014

2012

Long-time incumbent Jeannette Wallace died on April 8, 2011. Jim Hall was appointed by Governor Susana Martinez to fill the open position.

2010

General election

Democratic primary election