William Blaine Richardson III (November 15, 1947 – September 1, 2023) was an American politician, author, and diplomat. He served as the 30th governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2011.
Richardson also served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary in the Clinton administration, a U.S. congressman, chairman of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and chairman of the Democratic Governors Association.
In December 2008, Richardson was nominated for the cabinet-level position of Secretary of Commerce in the first Obama administration.
However, he withdrew a month later, as he was being investigated for possible improper business dealings in New Mexico. Although the investigation was later dropped, it damaged Richardson’s popularity and diminished his influence as his second and final term as New Mexico governor concluded.
Richardson occasionally provided advice on diplomatic issues pertaining to North Korea.
William Blaine Richardson III passed away at his summer home in Chatham, Massachusetts, on September 1, 2023, at the age of 75.
