Harold Pope Jr.
Member of the New Mexico Senate
from the 23rd district
Assumed office
January 19, 2021
Preceded bySander Rue
Personal details
BornPueblo, Colorado, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of New Mexico (BS)
University of Florida (MS)
Air Command and Staff College (MA)
Military service
Branch/service United States Air Force

Harold Pope Jr. is an American politician and retired United States Air Force officer serving as a member of the New Mexico Senate from the 23rd district. Elected in 2020, he defeated incumbent Republican Sander Rue. He assumed office on January 19, 2021.

Early life and education

Pope was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and worked as a dental technician. Pope then left active duty and enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, earning Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of New Mexico. After graduation he was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program and went back on active duty serving as a Chemist & Acquisitions Officer. Pope later earned a Master of Science in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts in operational leadership from the Air Command and Staff College.[1]

Career

After earning his bachelor's degree, Pope was commissioned in the Air Force as an officer, working as an acquisitions officer and chemist. He specialized in satellite programs, weapon systems, and nuclear deterrence.[2] After his retirement, Pope was appointed as a facilities transition advisor in the administration of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.[3] In the November general election for the New Mexico Senate, Pope defeated incumbent Republican Sander Rue. When Pope assumed office in 2021, he became the first African-American member of the New Mexico Senate.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Simonich, Milan. "After 108 years, New Mexico might get a Black state senator". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  2. ↑ "About - Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23". Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  3. ↑ "About - Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23". Harold Pope Jr. for State Senate District 23. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  4. ↑ "First Black N.M. senator is progressive Air Force veteran". Durango Herald. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
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