Apodaca served as governor for the state from 1975 to 1979.

Family members of former New Mexico Gov. Jerry Apodaca announced he has died. Apodaca served as governor of the state from 1975 to 1979.

Apodaca made history when he was sworn in, becoming the first Hispanic governor in the history of the United States. In the past year, family members said the 24th state governor had suffered from several strokes in the last year.

Who was Jerry Apodaca?

Jerry Apodaca (October 3, 1934 – April 26, 2023) was an American politician of the Democratic Party who served as the 24th governor of New Mexico from 1975 to 1979 and chair of the president’s council on physical fitness and sports from 1978 to 1980.

Apodaca graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1956 with a bachelor of science degree; he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Apodaca later entered the insurance business.

On April 26, 2023, Apodaca died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after years of declining health.