Who was the first female governor of New Mexico?

Susana Martinez was the first female governor of New Mexico, serving from 2011 to 2019. Her election marked a significant moment in the state’s history as she became the first woman to hold this office not only in New Mexico but also among the U.S. states that have had female governors. Martinez is a member of the Republican Party and previously served as the district attorney of Doña Ana County before her gubernatorial term. During her time as governor, she focused on issues such as education reform, job creation, and the state's economic challenges, making her a prominent figure in both state and national politics.

In contrast, while Michelle Lujan Grisham is a notable figure as the first female Hispanic governor in the U.S. and has made significant contributions after succeeding Martinez, she was not the first female governor of New Mexico. The other names mentioned, Jennifer Granholm and Linda Lujan, have not held the office of governor in New Mexico. Granholm was governor of Michigan, and Linda Lujan does not have a recognized historical record as a governor. Thus, Susana Martinez's achievement as the first female governor is unique and historically significant in reflecting the progress of women in political leadership roles in New Mexico.