| Carrie Hamblen | |
| State Senate: | New Mexico |
| District: | 38th |
| Term Start: | January 19, 2021 |
| Predecessor: | Mary Kay Papen |
| Birth Place: | Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Education: | University of Texas at El Paso (BA) New Mexico State University (MA, MPA) |
| Party: | Democratic |
Carrie Hamblen is an American politician and former broadcast journalist serving as a member of the New Mexico State Senate from the 38th district.[1] Elected in 2020, she assumed office on January 19, 2021. She is a member of the New Mexico Democratic Party.[1]
Hamblen was born in Wisconsin and raised in El Paso, Texas. Hamblen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso, followed by a Master of Arts in mass communication and Master of Public Administration from New Mexico State University.[2]
In 1992, Hamblen joined KRWG as a student employee. She later became operations manager of the station and was a regional host of All Things Considered and Fresh Air before becoming the host of Morning Edition. For 15 years, she wrote, produced, and hosted a public affairs program called Images.[3] [4]
In the June 2020 Democratic primary, Hamblen defeated incumbent Senate President pro tempore Mary Kay Papen. The defeat has been characterized as an upset.[5] A political progressive, Hamblen criticized Papen for her moderate voting record throughout the primary campaign.[6] [7] Hamblen defeated Republican nominee Charles Wendler in the November general election. She assumed office on January 19, 2021.[8]
Hamblen is gay. She and her wife were one of the first same-sex couples to apply for a marriage license in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.[9] [10]