Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a prominent figure in Democratic politics, passed away at the age of 75, according to a statement from the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. Richardson, who served as Energy Secretary and United Nations ambassador under the Clinton administration, died in his sleep at his summer home in Massachusetts. Known for his dedication to public service, Richardson was involved in efforts to free individuals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. He was remembered as a champion for those unjustly held overseas and as a mentor and dear friend by Mickey Bergman, vice president of the Richardson Center.
Richardson’s political career began as an aide to Massachusetts Representative Frank Bradford Morse before serving in various roles within the US State Department and Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was first elected to the US House in 1983, representing New Mexico’s Third District. Richardson went on to become the US ambassador to the United Nations and later served as the secretary of energy. He was elected governor of New Mexico in 2002 and served two terms before leaving office in 2011.
Following an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2008, Richardson founded the Richardson Center for Global Engagement in 2011. The nonprofit organization aimed to promote international peace. Richardson and his center privately worked on behalf of families of hostages and detainees abroad, actively engaging with foreign governments to secure their release.
Neda Sharghi, chair of the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, expressed her condolences and highlighted Richardson’s fierce advocacy for human rights. Democratic New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich also acknowledged Richardson’s impact, stating that his legacy would last.
Born in Pasadena, California, in 1947, Richardson grew up in Mexico City before attending boarding school in Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and French from Tufts University in 1970 and a master’s degree from Tufts’ Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1971. Richardson married Barbara Richardson in 1972, and they had one daughter.
The news of Richardson’s passing has been updated with additional information. His dedication to public service and commitment to advocating for those in need will be remembered as his enduring legacy.
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