FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Nordstrum, Chris.Nordstrum@nmlegis.gov, 415-601-1992
(SANTA FE) The New Mexico State Senate Democratic Caucus is deeply saddened to report the passing of beloved Senator John Pinto. Serving New Mexico since 1977, Senator Pinto was the most senior member of the senate, selflessly dedicating decades of his life advocating for the needs of his constituents, the Navajo Nation and the people of New Mexico.
Senator Pinto was a gentleman and gracious leader whose wisdom and kindness earned him the utmost respect from his many colleagues in both chambers of the legislature. Since his humble arrival in 1977, when, as a hitchhiker, he was picked up in a snowstorm in Albuquerque and driven to Santa Fe by a fellow freshman senator, Senator Pinto served his years with strength and tenderhearted demeanor.
“There will forever be a void on the Senate Floor without John Pinto, but his presence will be felt here forever. He taught all of us how to lead with humility, tenacity, and heart. Today we mourn for his family and the Native American community that he served with such caring dedication.” – Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen
“This is an extraordinary loss to Senator Pinto’s family, the state of New Mexico, the country and anyone who knew and loved him. It was an incredible honor to serve with Senator Pinto.” – Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth
“Senator Pinto led a most incredible life, and I am proud and honored to have worked alongside him. His friendship and heart will be missed in the Senate and the loss will be felt for years to come, but he leaves us with a legacy that will be remembered for generations.” – Senate Majority Whip Mimi Stewart
Senator Pinto was born in 1924 to a family of Navajo sheepherders and was raised in Lupton, Arizona, and Gallup, New Mexico. He attended a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school in Fort Defiance, Arizona and received his bachelor’s degree at the age of thirty-nine and a master’s degree in elementary education from UNM. Pinto was in the Marine Corps as a Navajo code talker and, in 2001, received a congressional silver medal of honor for his service as a code talker. He worked for twenty-eight years in the Gallup-McKinley county school system, and as President of the Gallup Indian community center from 1950 through 1970 he helped feed the homeless and the less fortunate families of Gallup. On May 17 of this year, Senator Pinto received an honorary doctoral degree from Navajo Technical University, the largest tribal college in the United States.
Pinto represented the 3rd District, which includes the Four Corners area and spans much of western San Juan County as well as a portion of western McKinley County.
Services pending.
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