About New Mexico

Antonio J. Lucero – 10/06/1863 – 06/06/1921 – was New Mexico’s first Secretary of State, from 1912 when New Mexico became a state, to 1916. Secretary Lucero was born thirty-five miles southwest of Las Vegas, New Mexico, near the Pecos River. His family later moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico, where Antonio earned his education.

Before becoming New Mexico’s first Secretary of State, he worked as clerk in a dry goods store from 1884-1888. Antonio later became the editor of a Spanish-language publication called, La Voz del Pueblo. Subsequently, he became a Spanish-language professor at East Las Vegas High School and the New Mexico Normal University (which became Highlands University in 1941).

In 1893, Antonio married Julianita Romero. Seven children were born to the couple: Aurora R.; Antonio Jr.; Delia M.; Julia; Edmundo N.; Elenor; and Arturo Francis Paul. Antonio’s daughter Aurora became a well-known author.

A leader in the Democratic Party, Antonio was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 1903. In 1912 he was elected New Mexico Secretary of State; and in 1916 he was re-elected to a second term.

Upon completion of his second term, Antonio returned to his hometown of Las Vegas, New Mexico, returned to teaching, and became President of La Voz del Pueblo. Antonio also served as the first prohibition director in New Mexico. In 1920, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for United States Congress. On June 6, 1921, Antonio passed away at his home.

*Special thanks to New Mexico State Historian Dr. Estevan Rael-Galvez for assisting our office with this important historical information.