14 Facts About Liz Stefanics

Liz Stefanics was the first openly LGBT member of the New Mexico legislature, serving a single four-year term that began in January 1993.

Liz Stefanics graduated with a bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University, before doing a masters in resource management at the University of Wisconsin and earning a doctorate in administration and law from the University of Minnesota.

Liz Stefanics spent more than ten years as the executive director of Open Hands, a charity serving the elderly, disabled and poor, before it shutdown from a lack of funds and substantial debt.

In 1992, Liz Stefanics ran for the New Mexico Senate in the 39th district, a mostly rural district covering parts of six counties in northern New Mexico.

Liz Stefanics won the seat and took office in January 1993.

Liz Stefanics lost the primary election by a margin of 54 votes and Griego went on to win the seat.

Liz Stefanics went on to win the general election handily.

Liz Stefanics spent several years as the director of the New Mexico Health Policy Commission, a post to which she was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson.

Liz Stefanics had previously spent three years as deputy secretary of the state Human Services Department.

In 2008, Liz Stefanics mounted a bid for the Santa Fe County Commission from the 5th district, which covers Eldorado and the Community College District south of the city.

Liz Stefanics was unopposed in the general election and took office on January 1,2009.

Liz Stefanics was up for re-election in 2012 but drew no opponents in either the primary or general elections.

Liz Stefanics is a lesbian and was the first openly gay person to serve in the New Mexico Legislature.

Liz Stefanics has spent almost two decades with her partner, Linda Siegle, a former chairman of the Santa Fe Community College Board of Trustees.