Preceded by Rebecca Vigil-Giron Name Mary Herrera Succeeded by Dianna Duran Party Democratic Party | Political party Democratic Resigned December 31, 2010 Religion Christian | |
 | ||
Born August 27, 1959 (age 64)
Albuquerque, New Mexico ( 1959-08-27 ) Alma mater College of Santa Fe (now Santa Fe University of Art and Design) Role Former Secretary of State of New Mexico Previous office Secretary of State of New Mexico (2007–2010) Education Harvard University, West Mesa High School, Santa Fe University of Art and Design | ||
Herrera Upset Over Secretary Of States Comment
Mary Herrera (born August 27, 1959) is an American politician, who is the former New Mexico Secretary of State, being first elected in 2006 and leaving office in 2011 after being defeated in her re-election bid.
A native of Albuquerque, Herrera graduated from West Mesa High School in 1977. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Business Administration from the College of Santa Fe (now Santa Fe University of Art and Design). She has also received a Certificate of Program Administration for Senior Executives from Harvard University and Certificates in Labor, Employment, and Benefits Law from the Institute for Applied Management.
Prior to being elected Secretary, Herrera held many offices within the Bernalillo County government holding positions as typist, Assistant Comptroller and Director of Human Resources. In 2000, she was elected county clerk of Bernalillo county and re-elected in 2004.
Mary Herrera was the first sitting Democrat Secretary of State to lose the office to a Republican in 80 years. Herrera lost by 90,000 votes, a margin greater than any other NM race in the 2010 election.
Under New Mexico law, at the time of her tenure Herrera was second in line of succession for governor after former Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, who lost a bid for Governor.