John was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After attending the University of New Mexico, John attended law school at the University of Tulsa School of Law. Thereafter, John went on to receive an LL.M. (masters of law) in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law. John has since held numerous legal positions, including Assistant District Attorney for Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Rio Arriba Counties; New Mexico State Senator for District 10; General Legal Counsel for Middle Rio Grand Conservancy District; Lobbyist for New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority; Contract Attorney for New Mexico Risk Management Division; General Legal Counsel for New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority; and founder of Budagher & Associates. John is admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico, the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, and the United States Tax Court. Additionally, John is a court appointed mediator. He lives in Corrales with his wife, Sandi, and has three adult children, John III, Joseph, and Rachael. John is fluent in English and Spanish.