Tom Benavidez
Tom Benavidez | |
|---|---|
 Benavidez in 1974 | |
| Member of the New Mexico Senate | |
| In office 1966–1970 | |
| In office 1984–1996 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Thomas Rey Benavidez January 6, 1939 Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | April 16, 2016 (aged 77) Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic[1] Republican[2] Reform Party (2000)[3] |
| Alma mater | University of Albuquerque |
Thomas Rey Benavidez (January 6, 1939 – April 16, 2016) was an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and the Reform Party, he served in the New Mexico Senate from 1966 to 1970 and again from 1984 to 1996.[4]
Life and career
Benavidez was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the son of John Sanchez Benavidez and Neph Pino. He attended and graduated from Albuquerque High School.[5] After graduating, he attended the University of Albuquerque, earning his degree in accounting and economics, which after earning his degree,[6] he worked as a real estate broker.[4][7]
Benavidez served in the New Mexico Senate from 1966 to 1970 and again from 1984 to 1996.[4][2] During his service in the Senate, in 1990, he ran as a Democratic candidate for United States senator of New Mexico. He received 110,033 votes, but lost to Republican incumbent Pete Domenici, who won with 296,712 votes.[8]
In 2002, Benavidez ran as a Republican candidate for auditor of New Mexico. He received 218,747 votes, but lost to Democratic incumbent Domingo Martinez, who won with 238,507 votes.[9]
Death
Benavidez died on April 16, 2016, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 77.[2][10]
References
- ^ "Daniels murder fuels death penalty talk: 'Lynch-mob' mentality may create election issue". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Santa Fe, New Mexico. January 25, 1986. p. 1. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Tom Benavidez Obituary (1939-2016)". Albuquerque Journal. April 19, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via Legacy.com.
- ^ Haussamen, Heath (January 7, 2008). "Another candidate enters U.S. Senate fray". NMPolitics.net. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c Unterburger, Amy (1991), Who's who Among Hispanic Americans, Gale Research, p. 41, ISBN 9780810374515
- ^ "Tommy Benavidez". U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016. Retrieved July 2, 2025 – via Ancestry.com. (subscription required)
- ^ "Tom Benavidez". Carlsbad Current-Argus. Carlsbad, New Mexico. June 1, 1986. p. 45. Retrieved July 2, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Governor's race, bond issues at mercy of NM voters today". El Paso Times. El Paso, Texas. November 6, 1990. p. 1. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "NM US Senate - Senate - General Election". Our Campaigns. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ "NM Auditor - Auditor - General Election". Our Campaigns. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ "Services scheduled for former state Sen. Tom Benavides". The Santa Fe New Mexican. April 20, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2023.