Women in politics

This weekend, our series on women in politics continues with a look at some of the state's influential female leaders past and present.

When Soledad Chávez de Chacón became the first woman to govern New Mexico — albeit briefly — in 1924, she was aware of the gravity of the role.

Just a few years after earning the right to vote and the right to hold public office, Chávez de Chacón was serving as secretary of state when chance — and tragedy — thrust her into the state's top office for a couple of weeks. The lieutenant governor had died unexpectedly while the governor was out of state.

"I am fully cognizant that there is a great responsibility attached to the duties of acting governor, and it is a position which requires careful thought and consideration even to the smal

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