What Does an Effective Lt. Governor Do?
Interview with Howie Morales, New Mexico Lt. Governor
This Engaging Interview was conducted by Jennie Lusk on:
July 3, 2026
Lt. Governor Candidate Forum
Harold Pope Jr. and Stephanie Garcia Richard
This Informative Forum Interview was conducted on:
July 12, 2026
Lt. Governor Forum 12 Questions Answered:
1. Relationship
The current Lieutenant Governor emphasized that being effective in this role requires building a strong, trusting relationship with the Governor — a partnership based on communication, respect, and a shared commitment to serving New Mexicans. The next Lieutenant Governor may serve alongside a Governor who brings a different lived experience, leadership style, and perspective than their own.
- How would you approach building an authentic and productive partnership with the Governor, particularly when navigating differences in perspective, priorities, or leadership style?
2. Making the Office Your Own
The current Lieutenant Governor said, “You make this office whatever it is that you’d like it to be,” and emphasized that much of the work happens through direct relationships with cabinet secretaries, where policies are implemented and the day-to-day work of government takes place.
- Given that the Lieutenant Governor’s role is not narrowly defined, how would you decide where to focus your time, which cabinet-level relationships to prioritize, and what measurable impact would you hope to achieve through those partnerships?
3. Power Outside the Spotlight
The current Lieutenant Governor described the role as one where you may be deeply involved in important negotiations, policy discussions, and decisions behind the scenes, while recognizing that the Governor is ultimately the public face of the administration.
- How do you define effective leadership when your influence may come through collaboration and results rather than public recognition?
4. Ombudsman
The Lieutenant Governor’s ombudsman role requires listening to people who may be frustrated, unheard, or struggling to navigate complex systems, while also working constructively with state agencies to find solutions.
- Tell us about a time when you helped someone navigate a system that was not working for them.
What did you learn from that experience, and how would it shape the way you serve as Lieutenant Governor?
5. Trust
The current Lieutenant Governor said that “loyalty goes both ways” and that the Governor and Lieutenant Governor should stand shoulder to shoulder in the public’s eye, even when difficult conversations happen behind closed doors.
- Tell us about a time when you were part of a leadership team where you disagreed with a decision or direction. How did you handle that disagreement, and what does that experience tell us about how you would approach this partnership?
6. Integrity
The current Lieutenant Governor emphasized that credibility in this role comes from doing what you say you will do.
- In a position where much of the work happens behind the scenes — through relationships, negotiations, and problem-solving — how will you build trust with the Governor, legislators, cabinet secretaries, and the people of New Mexico by demonstrating reliability and accountability?
7. Humility
The Lieutenant Governor’s role requires balancing leadership with humility. You have a seat at important tables and a voice in major decisions, but you are often not the person who makes the final call.
- Tell us about a time when you influenced an important outcome without being the ultimate decision-maker. How did you navigate that role, and what did it teach you about leadership?
8. Presiding over the Senate / Respect for the Institution
One of the Lieutenant Governor’s most visible constitutional duties is serving as President of the New Mexico Senate. The current Lieutenant Governor noted that the Senate’s rules, decorum, and parliamentary procedures can be learned, but what is essential is building relationships with senators on both sides of the aisle, understanding the dynamics of the chamber, and having the political savvy to help move important work across the finish line.
- How would you build trust with members of the Senate — including those who may not share your views — and how would you use those relationships to help advance priorities for the people of New Mexico?
9. Connectivity
The current Lieutenant Governor spoke about the importance of leadership in a time of deep political and public division, saying that “the tone at the top sets the pathway for how the public is going to respond.” He emphasized that leadership is not only about the work being done in government, but about creating connections — being open, receptive, and recognizing that people bring different perspectives.
- As Lieutenant Governor, how would you use your position to set a tone that encourages respectful dialogue, strengthens trust, and builds connections among New Mexicans with different viewpoints?
10. Governing Priorities
If selected as the Democratic nominee and ultimately elected Lieutenant Governor, what are the two or three priorities you would champion, and how would you use the influence of the office to advance them?
11. Balancing Growth and Stewardship
New Mexico faces the challenge of creating good-paying jobs while protecting our water, land, and other natural resources.
- How would you work with Tribal Nations, local communities, and other stakeholders to balance economic development with environmental stewardship?
12. Becoming Governor
The current Lieutenant Governor emphasized that anyone serving in this office must be prepared to become Governor at any moment. That means understanding state government, developing relationships with cabinet secretaries, and being ready to lead agencies and respond to crises without hesitation.
- How would you prepare yourself to assume the responsibilities of Governor on day one if circumstances required it, and what experiences have prepared you for that possibility?