Tom Benavidez

Tom Benavidez
Benavidez in 1974
Member of the New Mexico Senate
In office
1966–1970
In office
1984–1996
Personal details
BornThomas Rey Benavidez
(1939-01-06)January 6, 1939
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
DiedApril 16, 2016(2016-04-16) (aged 77)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
Republican
Reform Party (2000)
EducationUniversity of Albuquerque

Thomas Rey Benavidez (January 6, 1939 – April 16, 2016) was an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and the Reform Party, he served in the New Mexico Senate from 1966 to 1970 and again from 1984 to 1996.

Life and career

Benavidez was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the son of John Sanchez Benavidez and Neph Pino. He attended and graduated from Albuquerque High School. After graduating, he attended the University of Albuquerque, earning his degree in accounting and economics, which after earning his degree, he worked as a real estate broker.

Benavidez served in the New Mexico Senate from 1966 to 1970 and again from 1984 to 1996. During his service in the Senate, in 1990, he ran as a Democratic candidate for United States senator of New Mexico. He received 110,033 votes, but lost to Republican incumbent Pete Domenici, who won with 296,712 votes.

In 2002, Benavidez ran as a Republican candidate for auditor of New Mexico. He received 218,747 votes, but lost to Democratic incumbent Domingo Martinez, who won with 238,507 votes.

Death

Benavidez died on April 16, 2016, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 77.

References

  1. ↑ "Daniels murder fuels death penalty talk: 'Lynch-mob' mentality may create election issue". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Santa Fe, New Mexico. January 25, 1986. p. 1. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  2. 1 2 3 "Tom Benavidez Obituary (1939-2016)". Albuquerque Journal. April 19, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via Legacy.com.
  3. ↑ Haussamen, Heath (January 7, 2008). "Another candidate enters U.S. Senate fray". NMPolitics.net. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Unterburger, Amy (1991), Who's who Among Hispanic Americans, Gale Research, p. 41, ISBN 9780810374515
  5. ↑ "Tommy Benavidez". U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016. Retrieved July 2, 2025 – via Ancestry.com. Closed access icon (subscription required)
  6. ↑ "Tom Benavidez". Carlsbad Current-Argus. Carlsbad, New Mexico. June 1, 1986. p. 45. Retrieved July 2, 2025 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  7. ↑ "Governor's race, bond issues at mercy of NM voters today". El Paso Times. El Paso, Texas. November 6, 1990. p. 1. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  8. ↑ "NM US Senate - Senate - General Election". Our Campaigns. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  9. ↑ "NM Auditor - Auditor - General Election". Our Campaigns. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Services scheduled for former state Sen. Tom Benavides". The Santa Fe New Mexican. April 20, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2023.