Michelle Lujan Grisham Then and Now

Michelle Lujan Grisham Then

Michelle Lujan Grisham, born on October 24, 1959, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and raised in Santa Fe, hails from a family with deep roots in the state.

Her father, Llewellyn Eugene “Buddy” Lujan, was a dentist who continued practicing into his eighties before passing away in 2011.

Her mother, Sonja Lee, originally from Indiana, was a homemaker who passed in 2022.

Lujan Grisham’s family history is filled with significant milestones and challenges, such as the story of her younger sister, Kimberly, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a toddler and tragically passed away at 21.

Lujan Grisham often reflects on her family’s legacy and the resilience that shapes her approach to public service.

Belonging to the Lujan family, a well-known political dynasty in New Mexico, Lujan Grisham represents the twelfth generation of her family in the state.

Several members of her extended family have held influential roles in government, and her lineage has likely influenced her commitment to public service.

This background connects her deeply to the cultural and political heritage of New Mexico, which continues to guide her approach as she advocates for New Mexico residents.

Lujan Grisham’s educational journey began at St. Michael’s High School, after which she attended the University of New Mexico.

In 1981, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in university studies while also working as a work-study student in the engineering department.

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During her time at university, she joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority, where she built a network of friendships and mentors.

Her early work experience included a technical writing internship at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, helping her gain valuable professional skills.

She then pursued her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law, graduating in 1987.

In 1982, she married Gregory Alan Grisham, beginning a partnership that supported her through her career and life journey.

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Michelle Lujan Grisham Political Career

Michelle Lujan Grisham’s political career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service and an impressive rise through state and federal positions.

Her early career began in New Mexico’s state government, where she held various roles, including director of the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department.

She served under three governors—Bruce King, Gary Johnson, and Bill Richardson—and worked to address the needs of New Mexico’s senior and long-term care populations.

During Richardson’s term, this department was elevated to a state cabinet-level position, which led to her appointment as the New Mexico Secretary of Health in 2004.

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She held this role until 2007, spearheading numerous health initiatives across the state.

Lujan Grisham’s ambition then led her to pursue a broader political role, resigning as Secretary of Health in 2008 to run for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District.

Although she lost the Democratic primary to Martin Heinrich, she did not abandon her political aspirations.

In 2010, she was elected to the Bernalillo County Commission, where she served until 2012, gaining hands-on experience in local governance and decision-making.

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In 2012, after Heinrich opted to run for the U.S. Senate, Lujan Grisham once again sought the Democratic nomination for the House of Representatives and won it, defeating opponents Marty Chavez and Eric Griego.

She secured the seat in the general election, triumphing over Janice Arnold-Jones with a decisive 59% of the vote.

She served New Mexico in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2018, working on a range of issues important to her constituents.

She won re-election in 2014 against Republican Mike Frese and again in 2016 against Richard Priem, demonstrating her solid support base.

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Lujan Grisham quickly became a leader among her peers, and in 2016 she was selected as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, a role that underscored her commitment to representing Hispanic and minority interests at the national level.

However, her congressional tenure was not without controversy; in 2016, she was one of nine representatives who took a trip to Azerbaijan, later found to have been funded by the Azerbaijani government.

Following an ethics investigation, she and others turned over gifts received during the trip, though she was cleared of any wrongdoing as she had no way of knowing the funding source was improper.

In December 2018, Lujan Grisham resigned from her House seat to focus on a gubernatorial run.

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After Tom Udall announced he would not run for governor, she quickly declared her candidacy to succeed Susana Martinez, who was term-limited.

Lujan Grisham won the Democratic primary in June 2018 and went on to defeat Republican U.S. Representative Steve Pearce in the general election with 56.9% of the vote. She was sworn in as governor on January 1, 2019.

Throughout her tenure, she has focused on policies related to education, healthcare, and renewable energy.

In 2022, Lujan Grisham secured re-election, defeating Republican Mark Ronchetti with 52% of the vote, solidifying her role as a leading figure in New Mexico’s political landscape.

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Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Personal Life

Michelle Lujan Grisham’s personal life has been marked by both love and resilience. She married her first husband, Gregory Grisham, in 1982, and together they had two daughters.

Their marriage was tragically cut short in 2004 when Gregory passed away from a brain aneurysm.

Following his death, Lujan Grisham pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against his physician, though the case was eventually dropped.

Despite this heartbreaking loss, she continued her career and dedicated herself to public service.

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Years later, Lujan Grisham found love again with Manuel Cordova, a small business owner from Albuquerque.

They had been together since 2012 and had planned to marry sooner, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their wedding.

Finally, on May 21, 2022, they wed in a ceremony officiated by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, making it a memorable occasion.

Lujan Grisham’s journey illustrates her ability to overcome personal adversity while maintaining a deep commitment to both her family and her public responsibilities.

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Michelle Lujan Grisham Now

As of 2024, Michelle Lujan Grisham is 65 years old and serves as the 32nd governor of New Mexico, a position she has held since 2019.

A lawyer and dedicated public servant, she has built her career in government across both state and federal levels.

Lujan Grisham, a member of the Democratic Party, represented New Mexico’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2019 before becoming governor.

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Her leadership style focuses on pragmatic, evidence-based policies aimed at improving the quality of life for New Mexicans.

Since taking office as governor, Lujan Grisham has prioritized transforming New Mexico’s public education system.

Her policies emphasize expanding early childhood education and improving K-12 resources to address both urban and rural needs.

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She has also actively worked to diversify New Mexico’s economy by attracting high-quality job opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, and technology.

Recognizing New Mexico’s natural beauty and environmental significance, she has promoted conservation efforts aimed at preserving the state’s air, land, and water resources.

Through these initiatives, Lujan Grisham seeks to create a sustainable and prosperous future for New Mexico.

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