Republican Susana Martinez Sworn in as First Female Governor of New Mexico

Published December 23, 2015

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Republican Susana Martinez has claimed her place in history as New Mexico's first female governor, taking office with the start of the new year.

Martinez, 51, formally became governor during a private ceremony at midnight in the Capitol Rotunda.

About 200 friends and family, including her stepson, father, brother and sister, watched as retiring District Judge Stephen Bridgforth of Las Cruces administered the oath of office.

As Martinez pledged to carry out the duties of governor, she placed her right hand on a Bible held by her husband, Chuck Franco. The Bible was a gift from family members for the inauguration.

Public activities follow throughout Saturday, including an outdoors ceremony on the Santa Fe Plaza where Martinez delivers her inaugural speech.

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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republican-susana-martinez-sworn-in-as-first-female-governor-of-new-mexico