Leo Jaramillo is a New Mexico State Senator representing District 5, elected in 2020. Raised in Espanola, he graduated from Espanola Valley High School and earned degrees from UNM (journalism) and College of Santa Fe (education). He was elected West Region Chair of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, representing 13 western states.
LJ
Serving
About
Family & Heritage
Nuevomexicano/Hispano with deep roots in the Espanola Valley of northern New Mexico. Native of Espanola. Openly gay and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in rural New Mexico.
Political Career
Before Politics
News writer/producer at KRQE News 13 in Albuquerque; middle school teacher; Staff Operations Manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) since 2003
Education
B.A. in Mass Communication and Journalism, University of New Mexico; M.A. in Education/Curriculum Design and Instructional Leadership, College of Santa Fe
Key Issues & Priorities
Education equity, rural infrastructure investment, economic opportunity for underserved communities, cultural preservation, acequia infrastructure, youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights