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

In this significantly informative interview Howie Morales reflects on his eight years of being Lt. Governor to Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico. In their eight years together Howie and Michelle worked closely together in support of each other to bring about effective and much needed reforms in education, healthcare, climate policy, and economic development for the people of New Mexico.

Howie also reflects on his eight years presiding over the New Mexico Senate, discussing the significant legal and political accomplishments of his term and how that was accomplished. In addition, he expressed his views on the qualities, experiences, and strategies that made his term a success. He discusses in an engaging way the personal qualities needed in a Lt. Governor to be truly effective. And he speaks of the importance of the Governor and Lt. Governor having a relationship of trust and respect with each other. He also reflects on the constitutional and political significance of the duties of his office which any Lt. Governor must be ready to carry out.

This interview was conducted to support the members of the Democratic Party of New Mexico State Central Committee (SCC), as they prepare to vote to select the next Lt. Governor candidate for the Democratic ticket in the 2026 November General Election in New Mexico.

Howie’s term ends in 2026, and the Lt. Governor elected November 3, 2026 will be sworn in on January 1, 2027 to preside over the Senate beginning January 19, 2027.

Credits: Interview filmed by Ricardo Martinez