Governor Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo

OCTAVIANO A. LARRAZOLO was born in Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico, on December 7, 1859. His education was attained at St. Michael’s College in New Mexico, where he studied theology for two years. He went on to study law, and in 1888 was admitted to the Texas bar. Larrazolo first entered politics as the district attorney for the Western District of Texas, a position he held from 1890 to 1894. After three unsuccessful bids for a seat in Congress, Larrazolo switched his political allegiance, joining the Republican Party in 1911. He next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by popular vote on November 5, 1918. During his tenure, tax reform measures were sanctioned; a state board of health was established; and improvements were initiated that aided the state’s Latino population. After completing his term, Larrazolo served in the New Mexico House of Representatives, an office to which he won election in 1927 and 1928. He also served as a member of the U.S. Senate from 1928 to 1929. Governor Octaviano A. Larrazolo passed away on April 7, 1930, and was buried in the Santa Barbara Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.