Jeff Bingaman

Jeff Bingaman grew up in Silver City in a family with deep New Mexico small town roots. His father was a science professor at Western New Mexico University, and his mother taught in the public schools. As a young boy, Jeff was raised to appreciate the values New Mexicans hold dear: personal responsibility, respect, and hard work. He had a paper route and was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from high school in Silver City, then attended Harvard University and later Stanford Law School. There he met fellow law student Anne Kovacovich. After graduation, they married and returned to New Mexico, where they both practiced law. Later, their son John was born.

Jeff was elected New Mexico Attorney General in 1978. In that role, he earned a reputation as a thoughtful and dedicated public official. In 1982, he won election to the United States Senate.

Since then, Jeff’s seniority in the Senate and his leadership positions on key committees have allowed him to champion issues important to New Mexico. His determination to solve real problems facing New Mexico’s families and communities has put him in the forefront on a range of issues, including fighting crime, providing affordable healthcare, improving our schools, developing renewable energy, protecting our natural resources, and creating and retaining good jobs across the state and nation.