Summary
Current Position: Meteorologist
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2023 Governor
Mark V. Ronchetti (born October 1, 1973) is an American political candidate and former KRQE meteorologist. A member of the Republican Party, he was the party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2020 and is the party’s nominee in the 2022 New Mexico gubernatorial election.
OnAir Post: Mark Ronchetti
About
Source: Campaign page
Mark Ronchetti lives in Albuquerque, where he and his wife, Krysty, are raising two young daughters. A proud New Mexican, Mark, and Krysty want their children to be able to chase and realize their boldest dreams – right here, at home. Krysty is a small business owner, and the two of them have seen first-hand how the challenging business climate in New Mexico holds the state back. As parents to two daughters, they’ve also seen the flawed education system and the non-existent mental health support and how it’s failing kids in New Mexico.
One of five children himself, Mark was raised by two loving parents. His father is a first-generation American who became an electrical engineer, and his grandfather came to the United States from Italy in the 1920’s unable to read or write. Throughout Mark’s childhood, his family impressed upon him that the promise of the American Dream is what makes the United States a truly great and unique country. Following the news was important, and there was no shortage of political conversations and disagreements around their (often loud) Italian family’s dinner table.
He learned – and still believes – that America offers extraordinary opportunities to anyone who works hard in pursuit of their dreams and affords each generation the chance to make life better for the next one… just as his parents and grandparents had done for him and his brothers and sisters.
Mark graduated from Washington State University in 1996. After a stint working at a television station in Colorado, he moved to New Mexico in 1998 to work for a local station in Albuquerque. He became a certified meteorologist and became the Chief Meteorologist for Albuquerque’s CBS and FOX affiliates. Mark has had a successful career and has enjoyed the opportunity and privilege to talk with viewers across the state each night.
Like many, Mark believes that elected leaders in New Mexico too often put politics ahead of the people they represent. Mark is running for Governor because he believes the people of New Mexico are ready for change. Mediocrity is no longer an option. For too long, the leaders in this state haven’t taken crime seriously. Mark will ensure a justice system that works and prioritizes law-abiding citizens over criminals. He will give police officers every tool they need to keep the people of New Mexico safe.
Mark will dedicate the resources necessary to secure New Mexico’s southern border from human trafficking, the drug trade, and gangs. Additionally, he will focus on lifting up our small business community and making New Mexico a more attractive destination for out-of-state companies looking to relocate. Mark promises to make real education reform happen by focusing on core subjects, rewarding good teachers, more school choices and opportunities for parents, and additional money directly into the classroom.
New Mexico spends almost $2 billion more dollars annually than it did when Governor Grisham took office. But what do we have to show for it? Are New Mexicans any better off today? Mark is tired of the excuses and the business as usual from Santa Fe politicians who worry more about power than doing what’s right for the people.
Mark is ready to bring new leadership to New Mexico. Mark is a conservative who believes that taxes should be low and 2nd amendment rights should be protected. As a proud political outsider, he says New Mexico deserves a governor who has not been part of the self-dealing culture in Santa Fe that only seems to benefit the powerful few while leaving the rest of the state behind. As Governor, he will work hard to represent all New Mexicans.
Mark grew up with a strong Catholic faith, he is pro-life, and his family attends Sagebrush Church in Albuquerque. He says his faith is the indispensable foundation of his life.
Mark and his family enjoy spending time in the beautiful New Mexico outdoors. They like to hike, bike, camp, and ski, and their two huskies, Maverick and Scout, are never far behind.
As our next Governor, Mark will take his pragmatic outsider perspective to Santa Fe and always prioritize the future of New Mexico families – and the protection of the American Dream for every child – above all else.
Web
Campaign Site, Wikipedia, Twitter, LinkedIn
Politics
Source: none
Wikipedia
Mark V. Ronchetti (born October 1, 1973) is an American former political candidate and KRQE meteorologist. A member of the Republican Party, he was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2020 and for governor of New Mexico in 2022.[1][2]
Early life and meteorology career
Ronchetti was born in Dallas in 1973. The grandson of Italian emigrants, Ronchetti grew up in Shelburne, Vermont. He attended Washington State University, graduating with a degree in communications and political science, before moving to Colorado to take a job at a television station. He moved to Albuquerque in 1998 to become a meteorologist for KOAT-TV, then took up another job in Oregon. He returned to New Mexico in 2006 to join KRQE.[3][4]
Political career
2020 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Ronchetti announced his candidacy for the 2020 U.S. Senate election in New Mexico on January 7, 2020, to succeed retiring incumbent Democratic Senator Tom Udall.[5] Defeating two other contenders in the Republican primary,[6] he lost to Ben Ray Luján, the then-incumbent U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district, by a 6.1% margin, less than widely expected.[7]
2022 New Mexico gubernatorial election
Ronchetti launched his campaign for New Mexico Governor on October 27, 2021.[8] He defeated State Representative Rebecca Dow, retired U.S. Army National Guard officer Gregory Zanetti, and two other candidates in the Republican primary.[9] Ronchetti lost to incumbent Democratic governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in the general election.
References
- ^ Lee, Morgan (June 7, 2022). "Mark Ronchetti wins GOP primary for New Mexico governor". PBS. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
- ^ Turner, Scott (January 7, 2020). "TV meteorologist joins New Mexico US Senate race". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
- ^ Contreras, Russell. "Meteorologist Mark Ronchetti to run for US Senate in New Mexico". Las Cruces Sun-News. Retrieved 2022-10-28.
- ^ "Ronchetti embraces outsider label in GOP primary - Albuquerque Journal". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved 2022-10-28.
- ^ Turner, Scott (January 7, 2020). "TV meteorologist joins New Mexico US Senate race". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
- ^ Boyd, Dan (June 3, 2020). "Ronchetti wins GOP primary race for Senate seat". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
- ^ Rosenberg, Benjamin (November 4, 2020). "Ben Ray Luján's win holds New Mexico's open Senate seat for Democrats". Vox. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
- ^ "Mark Ronchetti enters Republican race for governor of New Mexico". Las Cruces Sun News. Associated Press. October 27, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
- ^ Lee, Morgan (June 7, 2022). "Mark Ronchetti wins GOP primary for New Mexico governor". PBS. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
