Our people: Tate Turnbough always roots for underdogs

Tate Turnbough spent a portion of his youth on a farm in Curry County.

"I can definitely put the plow in the ground and run a combine all day, but my farming skills are nonexistent compared to my late grandfather Dean Campbell. He was the best farmer God ever created, and I'd bet the farm on that," Turnbough said.

Turnbough shared a bit about his life recently with The News.

Q: You started out as a Curry Countian.

A: I am from north of Clovis. I was raised on my grandparents' farm and ranch.

I remember everything. They are the best memories I have.

Growing up there made me the person I am today.

Q: What brought you to Portales?

A: We moved to Portales when I was about 12 years old.

We moved there because my mother started working in the emergency room at Roosevelt General Hospital.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: I was raised by Mother who is a psychiatric healthcare provider and by my grandparents who are farmers and ranchers. My family is very loving, and extremely hard-working.

Being raised by my mother and grandparents taught me how to care for others more than myself, and gave me a work ethic like no other. I also have a younger sister who is working on her social work degree and has a 3-year-old who has more energy than anyone I have ever met.

Also My partner Jacob is who keeps me going everyday. He keeps me grounded and reminds to keep going no matter what.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: President of the United States.

I was inspired by my Granny. She got me interested in politics.

She told me I could do anything I wanted to.

She started telling me that when I was just 5 years old.

Q: What is your career field? How did you come to be in this field?

A: My degree is in political science and history.

While I was going to school, I began working at The Psychiatric Care Center in Portales. I have now been there going on 10 years. I am now the administrator of the clinic and run public relations.

I have become a strong advocate for behavioral health since working in the field. The need for mental healthcare in eastern New Mexico is dire.

While I work in behavioral health, I am also very active in politics. I am the current Democratic Party county chair of Roosevelt County and have been for the last eight years.

I work in Santa Fe during the legislative session and sit on several committees and boards related to the Democratic Party, and other progressive movements.

Q: You're one of New Mexico's delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. What do you like about being involved in politics?

A: Being politically active is probably one of the most important things you can do as an American.

Regardless if you are a Republican or Democrat or no party at all being involved with how decisions are made that can affect everyone is so important.

Anything we do in our day-to-day lives, politics contributed to it in some way. It is very important to know what is going on politically, because it very well may affect your life directly.

Q: You'll be going to Chicago during, what some are calling, a turbulent time in our country. What concerns do you have?

A: My main concern is that Donald Trump has a possibility of being elected president.

I am a strong supporter of President Biden. President Biden has shown what an effective leader can do.

Q: Anything in Chicago you particularly want to see?

A: I am mainly excited to see all the other delegates from around the country.

I was a delegate in 2020, but it was held virtually. It will be exciting to see a convention in person.

Q: What's your favorite video game?

A: I was never big into video games. I was usually always outside riding my four-wheeler when I was young.

Q: Tell us something about yourself few people know.

A: It takes a considerable amount of time to do my hair in the morning.

Q: What's the best sandwich?

A: Reuben. I like a basic one that any place serves.

The more meat the better, though.

Q: What's your favorite smell?

A: New car or rain.

Q: What's your favorite dish?

A: Baked sweet potatoes. I like them baked in the oven, lots of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: The underdogs, the people who have the longest length to get somewhere and against all odds do it, and WIN.

Q: Tate Turnbough's fantasy dinner party ... who's there? What's for dinner?

A: My political idols: Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Lyndon Johnson.

I would have prime rib, sweet potatoes, and, for dessert, pecan pie. 

Q: If you could insert one thought into the mind of every person on the planet, what would it be?

A: Help those who won't ask for it but need it the most.

Q: What's your favorite saying or quote?

A: I have two.

"When you stumble, keep faith. And when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on." – Hillary Clinton

"People who have patience obviously have nothing to do." – My granddad, Dean Campbell.