Harold Pope Jr.
Harold Pope Jr. | |
---|---|
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. |
Political party | Democratic |
Education | University of New Mexico (BS) University of Florida (MS) Air Command and Staff College (MA) |
Military service | |
Branch/service | ![]() |
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[]
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. 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.[1]
Career[]
After earning his bachelors degree, Pope was commissioned in the Air Force as an officer, working as a 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]
References[]
- ^ Simonich, Milan. "After 108 years, New Mexico might get a Black state senator". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
- ^ "About - Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23". Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
- ^ "About - Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23". Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
- ^ "First Black N.M. senator is progressive Air Force veteran". Durango Herald. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
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- Living people
- People from Pueblo, Colorado
- New Mexico Democrats
- University of New Mexico alumni
- University of Florida alumni
- Air Command and Staff College alumni
- New Mexico state senators