Fabian Chavez

Serving in WWII and as a Democratic Senate Majority leader from 1961-1965, Fabian Chavez Jr. took significant steps during his campaign for Governor of New Mexico in the 1968 election to garner support, including reaching out to twenty-eight Democratic senators and elected officials for endorsements. Despite his loss to incumbent opponent David Cargo (1929-2013), his influence on the community was profound, mainly through his lobbying efforts for the Corporation Commission regarding the Insurance Rating Act, which played an essential role in preventing insurance companies from taking advantage of community members. After serving as a New Mexico Director of Tourism from 1971 to 1975 and Director of Development from 1975 to 1977, Chavez became appointed as the United States Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Tourism by former President Jimmy Carter (1924-2024). Chavez's lifelong commitment to serving the community through civility has established a meaningful impact on New Mexico's history.