Sen. Harold Pope Jr. says ‘it’s about the people’ in race for N.M. lieutenant governor

Sen. Harold Pope Jr. says ‘it’s about the people’ in race for N.M. lieutenant governor

Author: The Santa Fe New Mexican May 7, 2026 Duration: 26:29

A U.S. Air Force veteran and the first African American elected to the New Mexico Senate, Harold Pope Jr. is pursuing a new avenue of leadership as he seeks his party’s nomination for lieutenant governor.

The Albuquerque Democrat is running for statewide office for the first time in a race against Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver in the June primary.

In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Pope joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to share why he decided to run for the position and offer an explanation of how he would approach the role.

Pope, who says he recognizes he is an underdog in the race, feels he has a good shot to win and said he will “listen to what people want” and not just whatever his party puts forth when it comes to supporting legislation at the Roundhouse.

In a position that is often in the shadow of the governor, Pope also said he would like to take on a more prominent role than past lieutenant governors.

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colo., Pope shares his story of entering the Air Force after high school and speaks on his family’s background, which has Northern New Mexico ties. He also talks about his current pursuit of a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University, which he feels will help him in his position as vice chair of the Senate Education Committee.

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Every week, Around the Roundhouse pulls back the curtain on the workings of New Mexico’s state government. Hosted by veteran statehouse reporter Daniel J. Chacón of The Santa Fe New Mexican, this podcast goes beyond the headlines and floor votes to explore the real stories shaping policy. You’ll hear directly from the legislators, advocates, and officials driving the agenda, getting a sense of the personalities and behind-the-scenes dynamics that define each session. The focus is on the substantive debates and political maneuvering that turn ideas into law, providing context often missed in daily news reports. Tune in for candid conversations and analysis that make the legislative process accessible and engaging. This isn't just a recap of events; it's an insider's guide to the forces at play under the Capitol dome. For anyone interested in how New Mexico is governed, this weekly podcast serves as an essential, grounded companion to the fast-paced world of Santa Fe politics.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

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