Manuel Lardizabal

Manuel Lardizabal earned a high school diploma from Cobre High School and graduated from Western New Mexico University in 1988. His career experience includes working as an entrepreneur.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Manny Lardizabal. I’m a husband, a father, and a man of faith who deeply loves New Mexico and the people who call it home. My life has been rooted in service. I’ve worked in criminal justice, served in ministry, and walked alongside individuals and families during some of their toughest moments. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans—ensuring they are seen, supported, and treated with dignity. I’ve also been involved in supporting treatment foster care children, advocating for some of the most vulnerable in our communities and working to provide them with stability, guidance, and hope. In my time in criminal justice, I supported efforts that contributed to safer communities and stronger accountability. In ministry, I’ve led outreach efforts that have directly impacted families across our state, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support when it was needed most. I’ve also invested in small, family-owned “mom and pop” businesses—helping them grow, create jobs, and succeed in our local economy. I understand firsthand the challenges small business owners face, and I believe they are the backbone of New Mexico’s economy. I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe leadership should be personal. It should be about people—not politics. I understand what it takes to serve effectively in this role: working alongside the Governor, supporting the legislative process, and bringing people together.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Faith-Driven Leadership You Can Trust

I stand unapologetically for faith, integrity, and truth. At a time when many in leadership compromise their values, I believe New Mexico needs leaders grounded in moral clarity and guided by principles that do not change with political pressure. My Christian faith shapes how I serve—placing people above politics, truth above convenience, and accountability above personal gain. I believe leadership is a calling to serve others with humility and courage. As Lieutenant Governor, I will work to restore trust in government by being transparent, accessible, and committed to doing what is right—even when it is difficult.Protecting Families and Restoring Safe Communities

Strong families are the foundation of a strong New Mexico, and right now too many families feel unsafe and unheard. I will be a strong advocate for law enforcement, ensuring they have the support, resources, and respect they deserve to keep our communities safe. At the same time, I will work to address the root causes of crime by promoting family stability, community engagement, and opportunities for young people to succeed. Every parent should feel confident that their children can grow up in safe neighborhoods, attend good schools, and live without fear. I will fight to restore law and order while strengthening the values that hold our communities together.Fighting for Freedom and Real Opportunity

New Mexicans deserve the freedom to live, work, and build their future without unnecessary government interference. I will stand firmly for your God-given rights and push back against policies that limit opportunity or burden hardworking families and small businesses. Our state has incredible potential, but we must create an environment where businesses can grow, jobs can flourish, and innovation is encouraged. I will champion economic policies that empower entrepreneurs, support local industries, and open doors for the next generation. My goal is simple: to help every New Mexican have a fair shot at success and the ability to provide for their family with dignity and hope.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policy that strengthens families, protects our values, and expands opportunity for every New Mexican. I believe strong families are the foundation of a strong society. I support policies that empower small businesses, promote economic growth, and ensure safe communities by backing law enforcement while addressing root causes of crime. I also believe parents should have a primary voice in their children’s education, with real choices that help every child reach their potential. At the core, my focus is simple: serving others and helping build a New Mexico where faith, family, freedom, and opportunity are within reach for all.

Manuel Lardizabal did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.