About: Mama Lucy Gang

The Mama Lucy Gang was an alliance of liberal politicians that controlled the New Mexico House of Representatives in the 1970s. The "gang" was named after a restaurant run by Mrs. Lucy Lopez. Some of the future politicians had eaten there in their student days. Poor students were never turned away hungry, but were allowed credit or given food for work. Mama Lucy was an inspiration to the future lawmakers. They were mostly members of the Democratic Party but included Republicans. They enacted reforms related to education, the environment and equal opportunity. After a short period out of power in 1979–82, their successors continued to control the House until 2000. In 1973 the representatives presented a memorial to Mama Lucy in the House.