Michael J. Garcia is the Mayor of Santa Fe, taking office on January 1, 2026 after winning with 62.77% of the vote in a ranked-choice election. Born and raised in Santa Fe, he began his public service career as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. He previously served as City Councilor for District 2. He earned a B.A. in political science and MPA from UNM.
MG
Serving
About
Family & Heritage
Nuevomexicano/Hispano with roots "among the founders of Santa Fe" going back centuries. Lives in the Hopewell-Mann neighborhood in a multigenerational family home built by his grandfather. Married to Elisha Valdez; three children including son Elijah.
Political Career
Before Politics
Program and Partnerships Specialist at AmeriCorps (nearly two decades of public service); interned in office of U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman; Santa Fe City Councilor, District 2 (2019-2025)
Education
Santa Fe High School; B.A. in Political Science, University of New Mexico; M.P.A., University of New Mexico
Key Issues & Priorities
Affordable housing and homelessness, government transparency, infrastructure and road maintenance, public safety, economic opportunity and green jobs, balanced tourism and resident needs