Seligman, Arthur, 1871-1933

Arthur Seligman (June 14, 1871 – September 25, 1933) was an American businessman and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he notably served as Mayor of Santa Fe, New Mexico from 1910 to 1912 and as Governor of New Mexico from 1931 until his death.

Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory, he was educated at the Swarthmore College Preparatory School in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania and Union Business College in Philadelphia before becoming active in his family's business enterprises. He served as president of the Seligman Brothers mercantile firm, president of the La Fonda Building Corporation, president of the First National Bank, and auditor and board of directors member of the Northern New Mexico Loan Association.

Heavily involved in New Mexico's politics throughout his life, he served as chairman of the Santa Fe Democratic County Central Committee, chairman of the territorial Democratic Committee, chairman of the state Democratic committee, and delegate to the Democratic National Committee. He also served as member of the state Irrigation Commission, member of the New Mexico Board of Equalization, chairman of Santa Fe County Commission, mayor of Santa Fe, and president of the state Educational Survey Commission.

In 1930, Seligman was elected governor. During his tenure, additional funding was secured for maintaining the state historical society, the state’s tourist attractions were promoted, and state spending was controlled. Re-elected in 1932, Governor Seligman became ill months into his second term and passed away on September 25, 1933. He was buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.