Tate Turnbough, who graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in history in spring 2020, was selected to serve as a delegate for the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

With the election process winding down, Tate discusses his experience participating in the DNC and his time as a student at ENMU.

How were you chosen to be a DNC delegate? What did it mean to you to be selected for that role?

I was elected by the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Being the Democratic Party Chair of Roosevelt County, I was already fairly well known in the Democratic Party. When this opportunity came, I threw my hat in the ring and shortly after was elected. It was very exciting to be a part of something that very few in America are able to participate in.

Describe your delegate experience, including the convention. 

My delegate experience and the convention were not like any convention that has ever been had before. Due to COVID-19, the convention was held virtually. While I wish I could have been there in person, I still got to see and experience a chance-in-a-lifetime thing. Getting to be behind the scenes of how a candidate is nominated by his or her party to be president was something I will cherish forever.

Were you involved in the election process after your delegate experience?

My involvement after the convention has just gotten much busier. Being the chair of the County Party here in Roosevelt County, I have been going nonstop in getting the vote out for the most important election in our lifetime. I worked to open a headquarters for the Democratic Party here in Roosevelt County, and it was the only headquarters in Eastern New Mexico. We provided information, signage and voter registration to thousands. It was a major success, and I am so glad I was a part of it, along with some amazing volunteers, including my vice chair, Shyanne Sansom, who was tremendous in helping me throughout this entire election process.

What advice would you give to students interested in serving as delegates or getting more involved in politics/the political process? 

My advice would be to get active as soon as you can with your local political party. Many think you have to wait till you get your degree before you can start doing anything like this, but that is not the case at all. I got involved with my local political party four years before I graduated from college. In those four years, I saw and experienced and learned so much about how the political process really works. In that time, I was elected chair of my county party, which made me the youngest County Party chair ever to be elected at that time in New Mexico. The best advice I can give is if it is in your heart and you want to do something, then don't wait; go after it, and the end results just might shock you of what you can do and do for others.

What is your job title, and where do you work?

I have two jobs; one is being the Democratic Party chair of Roosevelt County, and the second is that I am an office administrator at my mother's psychiatric clinic in Portales Called the Psychiatric Care Center.

What are your goals for your position as chair of the Democratic Party in Roosevelt County?

My long-term goal in the political realm would be just to continue to work my way up in the party and eventually run for office myself if the chance arises.

Tell us about your family and background.

My family's background is in farming, ranching and medical. My grandparents own a large farm and ranch north of Clovis, where I have helped out since I was able to walk. I think the hard work ethic and skills I learned on the farm is what helped me get as far as I have with the Democratic Party. If you want something, you have to work for it, and that is the only way you will succeed is the way I see it.

Why did you choose to attend ENMU?

I chose ENMU because it was close to home, and I liked the smaller class sizes and the one-on-one you can have with your professor.

How did you choose your field of study?

I have always been a political junky. I can remember being only five years old and being so interested in the 2000 election. I give most of the credit to my granny, who also loves politics. She and I are always discussing politics, the good of it, and the bad.

Which activities were you involved in at ENMU? Academic honors?

I was a member of the Political Science Club and was on the dean's list.

Discuss your Eastern Experience.

I loved the connectedness that ENMU offers. It is very easy to get to know many people and professors and make lifelong friends. My favorite professors would have to be Dr. Acheson-Brown and Dr. Elder.  Both of them are so full of knowledge and have seen and done so much; it just inspired a student like me to work and be more like them and live a life of great political excitement.

Are you involved with any organizations, causes or volunteer work?

I am on the board of Habitat for Humanity and am also on the Affirmative Action Committee of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.

Tell us about your accomplishments and awards.

My greatest accomplishment is I get to do what I love, and I get to see the great change it makes in someone else's life. The best award is seeing someone else better because of the efforts you made; that is something that just can't be beat.

Tate with Rep. Xochitl Torres Small discussing needs and changes to help Eastern New Mexico at Hydration Station in Portales.