Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has died at the age of 75.
Richardson passed in his sleep at his Massachusetts home, according to a statement from his organization, The Richardson Center. His political career included time as a U.S. Congressman in northern New Mexico, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton. Richardson became governor of New Mexico in 2002 and also dedicated his post-political career to securing the release of American detainees in other countries.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that Richardson seized every chance to serve and was determined to do good for his country, New Mexico, and Americans around the world.
“Few have served our nation in as many capacities or with as much relentlessness, creativity, and good cheer. He will be deeply missed,” Biden said in the statement.
Richardson is responsible for the release of numerous hostages and American servicemen in North Korea, Cuba, Iraq, and Sudan. Among those who he helped get release from foreign countries include American journalist Danny Fenster from a Myanmar prison and Taylor Dudley, a man who crossed the border from Poland to Russia. He also met with Russian officials shortly before the release of Marine veteran Trevor Reed and worked on the cases of WNBA player Brittney Griner and Navy veteran Michael White.
Some of his notable global work included working to free American workers held by Saddam Hussein and traveling to North Korea in 2007 to recover the remains of American servicemen who were killed in the Korean War. The prior year, he persuaded Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to release Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist Paul Salopek.
Richardson once described being New Mexico’s governor as “the best job I ever had.” During his two terms, he was the country’s only Hispanic governor and signed legislation that repealed the death penalty — after previously supporting capital punishment. He called signing the legislation “the most difficult decision in my political life.”
“I saw firsthand his passion for politics, love for America, and unflagging belief that, with respect and good faith, people can come together across any difference, no matter how vast. He was a patriot and true original, and will not be forgotten,” Biden said in the statement.
Outside of his political and diplomatic work, Richardson started The Richardson Center for Global Engagement, which focuses on conflict resolution and prisoner release, and the Foundation to Preserve New Mexico Wildlife with actor and conservationist Robert Redford. He also served as Chairman of Freedom House, a private nonpartisan organization that promotes democracy and human rights worldwide and served on the boards of the National Resource Defense Council and United Way International.
Richardson’s contributions to the country and humanitarian rights are admirable and his legacy is worthy of celebrating.
