Governor Alberto Montoya is the 56th Governor of the State of New Mexico and a lifelong advocate for community resilience, environmental stewardship, and public safety. Born and raised in Española, New Mexico, Montoya hails from a proud working-class family deeply rooted in service—his father, Javier Montoya, served as a police officer, and his late mother, Fernanda Montoya, was a beloved schoolteacher. These early influences instilled in him the values of integrity, empathy, and commitment to public service that continue to define his leadership today. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and a Master’s Degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences from New Mexico State University, Montoya began his professional journey with the Peace Corps (1992–1994) before dedicating over two decades to the National Weather Service. Rising through the ranks to become Chief Meteorologist for the NWS Southern Region Headquarters, he played a pivotal role in enhancing disaster preparedness and climate resilience across the American Southwest. His leadership and communication skills later led him to the Weather Channel, where he became a trusted national voice on environmental issues and severe weather events. Montoya entered public life driven by a belief that New Mexico’s future lies in the balance between security, sustainability, and opportunity. Campaigning under the state motto “Crescit Eundo”—“It grows as it goes”—he pledged to make New Mexico a model for clean energy innovation, public safety reform, and compassionate border management. His campaign speeches, such as “Back the Blue” in Las Cruces and “Holistic Border Strategy” in Deming, highlighted his balanced approach: firm support for law enforcement and border security, coupled with a deep commitment to human dignity and economic development in border communities. As Governor, Montoya has championed initiatives to expand clean energy infrastructure, strengthen the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, and modernize law enforcement training and recruitment. He continues to emphasize a “whole-community” approach to governance—one that values collaboration across party lines, invests in public safety and education, and prepares the state for the challenges of climate change and economic transition. Governor Montoya’s leadership style reflects both his scientific background and humanitarian outlook. Colleagues describe him as pragmatic yet deeply compassionate—a servant leader who brings data-driven solutions to human-centered problems. His favorite campaign song, “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, captures his enduring philosophy: that perseverance, honesty, and faith in New Mexicans’ resilience can drive lasting progress. He continues to reside in Española with his wife, Dr. Liliana Montoya, an orthodontist. Together, they raised three children—Maria, a Deputy U.S. Attorney; Valeria, a meteorologist at the NWS Southern Region; and Eduardo, a professional photographer for TIME magazine. Family remains central to the Governor’s life and vision, as he often reminds audiences that “our children deserve a New Mexico that grows as it goes—stronger, fairer, and more united with each passing generation.”