Howie Morales

The neutral encyclopedia of notable people
Revision as of 15:18, 24 February 2026 by Finley (talk | contribs) (Content engine: create biography for Howie Morales (2334 words))
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)




Howie Morales
BornHenry C. Morales
5 1, 1973
BirthplaceSilver City, New Mexico, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, educator
Known forLieutenant Governor of New Mexico, New Mexico State Senator (District 28)
EducationWestern New Mexico University (BS, MA)
New Mexico State University (PhD)

Henry C. "Howie" Morales (born January 5, 1973) is an American politician and educator serving as the 30th lieutenant governor of New Mexico. A member of the Democratic Party, Morales has built a political career rooted in education policy, rural community advocacy, and public service in southwestern New Mexico. Before assuming the lieutenant governorship on January 1, 2019, he represented the 28th district in the New Mexico Senate for over a decade, serving constituents across Catron County, Grant County, and Socorro County. Born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, Morales earned three degrees from New Mexico institutions and worked as an educator and school administrator before entering politics. As lieutenant governor, he has served alongside Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and has periodically acted as governor during her absences from the state. In June 2025, Morales announced that he would not seek the governorship in 2026, citing a desire to spend more time with his teenage children and focus on his community.[1]

Early Life

Howie Morales was born on January 5, 1973, in Silver City, New Mexico, a small city in the southwestern part of the state that serves as the seat of Grant County.[1] He grew up in the region and has maintained deep ties to southern New Mexico throughout his career. Morales has spoken publicly about his connection to the area and his family roots in Grant County.[2] His upbringing in a rural New Mexico community informed his later focus on education, healthcare access, and economic development in underserved areas of the state.[3]

Education

Morales attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree. He subsequently pursued doctoral studies at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he earned a PhD.[4] His academic background in education provided the foundation for his career as a teacher and school administrator in New Mexico, and education policy became a central focus of his subsequent political career.

Career

Education Career

Before entering politics, Morales worked as an educator and school administrator in New Mexico. His professional experience in the state's public education system shaped his legislative priorities and gave him firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing schools in rural communities. During his time in the state senate and later as lieutenant governor, Morales frequently drew on his background in education to advocate for increased funding for public schools and reforms to the state's testing and assessment systems.[5]

New Mexico State Senate (2008–2019)

Morales was elected to the New Mexico State Senate in November 2008, representing the 28th district, which encompasses Catron County, Grant County, and Socorro County in southwestern New Mexico.[6] He succeeded longtime state senator Ben D. Altamirano, who had represented the district for decades. Morales took office on January 9, 2008.[7]

During his time in the state senate, Morales focused on several key policy areas, including education, healthcare, and economic development for rural New Mexico communities. He was a vocal critic of the PARCC standardized testing system, arguing that it placed undue burdens on students and teachers in the state. Morales called for an end to PARCC testing and supported alternative assessment methods.[5] His opposition to PARCC aligned with broader concerns expressed by New Mexico educators, some of whom staged protests against state education reforms they considered harmful to classroom instruction.[8]

Morales also advocated for increased investment in New Mexico's public schools and opposed budget cuts that affected classrooms. He authored opinion pieces and made public statements warning about the consequences of reducing funding for education in the state.[9]

In the area of healthcare, Morales supported efforts to expand access to healthcare coverage for New Mexicans, including the proposed Health Security Act, which would have established a single-payer healthcare system in the state.[10] He also supported legislation to increase the state's cigarette tax as a means of funding public health programs.[11]

Another area of legislative focus for Morales was early childhood education. He sought to consolidate the state's fragmented early childhood education programs into a more unified and effective system.[12] This issue would remain a priority throughout his career, continuing into his tenure as lieutenant governor.

2014 Gubernatorial Campaign

In 2014, Morales entered the race for governor of New Mexico. He campaigned on what he described as a "second-to-none mentality," emphasizing education, economic development, and healthcare.[13] However, he did not win the Democratic primary. Results from Bernalillo County, the state's most populous county, showed him trailing other candidates in the race.[14]

2018 Lieutenant Governor Campaign

In December 2017, Morales announced that he would run for lieutenant governor of New Mexico in the 2018 election cycle rather than seek re-election to his state senate seat.[15] He campaigned on his legislative record and his focus on education, jobs, and healthcare for rural communities.[3]

Morales won the Democratic primary in June 2018, securing the nomination alongside gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham.[16] The Lujan Grisham–Morales ticket went on to win the general election in November 2018.[17]

Following Morales's departure from the state senate, Gabriel Ramos was appointed to fill the 28th district seat in early 2019.[18]

Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (2019–present)

Morales took office as the 30th lieutenant governor of New Mexico on January 1, 2019, succeeding Republican John Sanchez.[4] In the role, he serves alongside Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and presides over the New Mexico Senate.

From the outset of his tenure, Morales sought to redefine and expand the visibility of the lieutenant governor's office. The Silver City Daily Press reported in January 2019 that Morales was working to add greater visibility to the traditionally low-profile position, undertaking a more active public role than many of his predecessors.[19]

One of the early actions of the Lujan Grisham–Morales administration was to order an end to PARCC testing in New Mexico's public schools, a cause Morales had championed during his time in the state senate.[20] The governor also appointed Karen Trujillo as secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department, signaling a shift in the state's education policy direction.[21]

Second Term

Morales was re-elected as lieutenant governor in 2022, continuing to serve alongside Governor Lujan Grisham for a second term. During this period, he continued to focus on education policy, childcare, and rural community development.

In November 2025, while Governor Lujan Grisham was out of state, Morales served as acting governor and signed House Bill 1, which extended state food assistance benefits for New Mexicans. The bill provided up to $20 million in additional funding for food assistance programs.[22]

Childcare and Early Childhood Education Advocacy

As lieutenant governor, Morales has been a prominent advocate for universal childcare in New Mexico. In early 2026, he authored an opinion piece in the Alamogordo Daily News arguing that funding universal childcare would improve New Mexico's standing among states and help working parents. He urged the New Mexico Legislature to take action during the 2026 legislative session to fully fund the state's childcare initiative.[23] The initiative was described as a historic effort that drew national attention.[24]

Community Engagement

Throughout his tenure, Morales has maintained an active schedule of community engagement across New Mexico. He has participated in events such as Grant County Day at the Roundhouse, meeting with county leaders, community members, and students.[25] He has spoken at events including the Carlsbad Mayor's Energy Summit, where he discussed his family ties to southern New Mexico.[2]

Morales has also hosted students at the state capitol through programs such as the "Honorary Lt. Gov. for the Day" initiative. In February 2026, students Aspen Ly and Bruce Yazzie from Rio Rancho visited the Roundhouse to meet with Morales and learn about the lieutenant governor's role.[26]

Decision Not to Run for Governor

In June 2025, Morales announced that he would not seek the Democratic nomination for governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election. In his announcement, the two-term lieutenant governor stated that he wanted to spend more time with his teenage children and devote greater attention to his community after completing his term.[1][27] The decision removed one of the more prominent potential candidates from the 2026 gubernatorial race.

Personal Life

Morales was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, and has maintained strong ties to Grant County and southern New Mexico throughout his career.[2] He has children, and his June 2025 decision not to run for governor was motivated in part by his desire to spend more time with his teenage children.[1][27] Morales has spoken publicly about the importance of family and community in his life and his connection to his hometown.[2]

Legacy

As the 30th lieutenant governor of New Mexico, Morales has been noted for his efforts to expand the visibility and active role of the office.[19] His career has been defined by a consistent focus on education policy, from his early work as an educator and school administrator to his advocacy for the end of PARCC testing and his support for universal childcare as lieutenant governor. As a state senator and lieutenant governor from a rural district, Morales has sought to represent the interests of communities in southwestern New Mexico that are often underrepresented in state politics.

His legislative work on early childhood education consolidation and universal childcare has contributed to New Mexico's ongoing efforts to address childhood poverty and support working families.[12][23] His signing of House Bill 1 as acting governor in November 2025, extending state food assistance for New Mexicans, represented one of the tangible policy outcomes of his time in office.[22]

Morales's career has spanned more than 18 years in New Mexico state government, from his election to the state senate in 2008 through his service as lieutenant governor. His decision not to pursue the governorship in 2026 marked the conclusion of his statewide electoral ambitions, though his policy priorities — particularly in education and childcare — are expected to continue influencing New Mexico politics.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Democrat Howie Morales will not run for governor of New Mexico".Santa Fe New Mexican.June 8, 2025.https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/elections/democrat-howie-morales-will-not-run-for-governor-of-new-mexico/article_fcc6220c-ac4f-4e67-8faa-3fcfc01daf1a.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Morales talks family, southern New Mexico connection".Alamogordo Daily News.February 2026.https://www.alamogordonews.com/2026/02/morales-talks-family-southern-new-mexico-connection/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Morales focused on jobs, schools, health care".Socorro El Defensor Chieftain.http://www.dchieftain.com/news/morales-focused-on-jobs-schools-health-care/article_79877946-6446-11e8-9fd6-5b8085b5761d.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Multitasking lieutenant governor blazing a new path".Albuquerque Journal.https://www.abqjournal.com/1269420/multitasking-lieutenant-governor-blazing-a-new-path.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "It's time to end PARCC testing of state students".Socorro El Defensor Chieftain.http://www.dchieftain.com/opinion/editorials/it-s-time-to-end-parcc-testing-of-state-students/article_4bc59446-4323-11e8-bea1-9f2ce3273322.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Election results 2008".Silver City Daily Press.http://www.scdailypress.com/index.php?pSetup=silvercitydailypress&curDate=20081105&pageToLoad=showFreeArticle.php&type=art&index=01.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "New legislators sworn in".Socorro El Defensor Chieftain.http://www.dchieftain.com/news/76997-01-09-08.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Teachers protest reforms".Albuquerque Journal.https://www.abqjournal.com/305225/teachers-protest-reforms.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Cuts to New Mexico classrooms".Las Cruces Sun-News.https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/opinion/2017/05/27/cuts-new-mexico-classrooms/102256886/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Health Security Act: NM's Single Payer Plan".Retake Our Democracy.https://retakeourdemocracy.org/health-security-act-nms-single-payer-plan/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Lawmakers to consider cigarette tax increase".Santa Fe New Mexican.http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/lawmakers-to-consider-cigarette-tax-increase/article_fe2bd81a-d883-5607-b3ab-27c5307c7ca6.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Legislator seeks to consolidate early childhood education programs".NM In Depth.February 23, 2017.http://nmindepth.com/2017/02/23/legislator-seeks-to-consolidate-early-childhood-education-programs/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Morales bases approach on 'second-to-none' mentality".Santa Fe New Mexican.http://www.santafenewmexican.com/elections/elections_2014/race_for_governor/morales-bases-approach-on-second-to-none-mentality/article_e9b269a6-e4b9-5f91-9ffb-e71cb668dce9.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "King leads Bernalillo County gov vote".Albuquerque Journal.https://www.abqjournal.com/410306/king-leads-bernalillo-county-gov-vote.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "District 28 Senator Howie Morales to run for lieutenant governor in 2018".Las Cruces Sun-News.December 6, 2017.https://www.scsun-news.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/12/06/district-28-senator-howie-morales-run-lieutenant-governor-2018/928709001/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "New Mexico primary election results".The New York Times.June 5, 2018.https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/06/05/us/elections/results-new-mexico-primary-elections.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Election results".New Mexico Secretary of State.http://electionresults.sos.state.nm.us/resultsSW.aspx?eid=1&type=SW&map=CTY.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Ramos appointed to NM Senate".Albuquerque Journal.https://www.abqjournal.com/1269375/ramos-appointed-to-nm-senate.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Redefining the office: Morales adds visibility to lieutenant governor's role".Silver City Daily Press.January 19, 2019.http://www.scdailypress.com/site/2019/01/19/redefining-the-office-morales-adds-visibility-to-lieutenant-governors-role/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Lujan Grisham orders end to PARCC testing in NM".Albuquerque Journal.https://www.abqjournal.com/1264248/lujan-grisham-orders-end-to-parcc-testing-in-nm.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Governor appoints Karen Trujillo as new PED secretary".Albuquerque Journal.https://www.abqjournal.com/1272269/governor-appoints-karen-trujillo-as-new-ped-secretary.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Acting Governor Morales signs bill to extend state food assistance for New Mexicans".Office of the Governor of New Mexico.November 10, 2025.https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2025/11/10/acting-governor-morales-signs-bill-to-extend-state-food-assistance-for-new-mexicans/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Lt. Gov. Howie Morales: Funding universal childcare will move New Mexico up".Alamogordo Daily News.February 2026.https://www.alamogordonews.com/2026/02/lt-gov-howie-morales-funding-universal-childcare-will-move-new-mexico-up/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Lt. Governor Howie Morales post on universal childcare".Facebook (Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham).https://www.facebook.com/GovMLG/posts/lt-governor-howie-morales-is-absolutely-right-new-mexicos-historic-universal-chi/1418940109695589/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Grant County Day at the Roundhouse".Facebook (Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham).https://www.facebook.com/GovMLG/posts/today-was-grant-county-day-in-the-roundhouse-and-lieutenant-governor-morales-and/1414376136818653/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Rio Rancho students named 'Honorary Lt. Gov. for the Day'".Rio Rancho Observer.February 2026.https://www.rrobserver.com/news/rio-rancho-students-named-honorary-lt-gov-for-the-day/2979484.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Howie Morales will not run for Governor in 2026".KOAT.June 9, 2025.https://www.koat.com/article/howie-morales-will-not-run-for-governor-in-2026/65002699.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

Retrieved from "https://biography.wiki/index.php?title=Howie_Morales&oldid=1141"