Otero, Mariano S. (Mariano Sabino), 1844-1904

Mariano Sabino Otero (August 29, 1844 – February 1, 1904) was a rancher, banker, and politician. He served as the Congressional delegate from the Territory of New Mexico from 1879 to 1881.

Born in Peralta, Nuévo Mexico, Otero attended private and parochial schools and St. Louis University. He engaged in commercial pursuits and stock raising, and subsequently became a banker. He was probate judge of Bernalillo County from 1871 to 1879. He was nominated by the Democratic State convention as a candidate for Delegate to the 44th Congress (1875-1877), but declined. In 1878, the state Republican Party nominated Otero to run for the Delegate’s seat; this time Otero reluctantly accepted the nomination. Elected to the 46th Congress (1879–1881), Otero was sworn in on March 19, 1879. Under new House Rules enacted during his tenure, he became the first New Mexican Territorial Delegate—and only the second Hispanic-American Member of Congress—to earn a committee assignment, on the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures.

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