Jessica Garate: Biography of the KRQE News Anchor

Jessica Garate: Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor at KRQE News

Jessica Garate is a distinguished journalist currently serving as the main evening anchor for KRQE-TV, a CBS-affiliated station in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She anchors the 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts and has been a prominent figure in New Mexico news for over 19 years.

Jessica Garate began her career as a reporter at KRQE-TV in 2009. She has also worked as a reporter and anchor at other television stations in New Mexico.

Garate has been recognized for her work with several awards, including an Emmy Award for her coverage of the Las Vegas mass shooting.

She has also been honored by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Garate is active in the community, and is a member of the board of directors of the New Mexico Association of Broadcasters. She is also a mentor to young journalists.

Early Life and Education:

Jessica Garate grew up in West Texas and Wyoming. This diverse upbringing helped shape her perspective and passion for journalism.

She attended a local high school in her hometown, where she first developed her interest in media.

After high school, Jessica pursued higher education at the University of Wyoming. She studied Broadcast Journalism and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism.

During her time at the university, Jessica gained valuable skills and experience that paved the way for her successful career in journalism.

Jessica’s father was a first-generation American, born to Mexican immigrants, and served in the U.S. Navy.

She also has a sister, with whom she shares fond childhood memories, including attending concerts together.

Career:

Jessica’s passion for storytelling led her to a career in journalism. She joined KRQE-TV in 2004 and has since become a prominent figure in New Mexico’s news landscape.

Her exceptional work has been recognized with two Emmy Awards, and in 2022, she was named one of Albuquerque’s most influential women by Albuquerque Business First.

In 2024, she was inducted into the Silver Circle by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, honoring her 25 years of contributions to the television industry.

Wyoming Public Radio:

Jessica Garate embarked on her journalism journey at Wyoming Public Radio. This role was foundational, as radio journalism requires vivid and engaging storytelling to make up for the lack of visual elements.

Jessica learned the importance of voice modulation, scriptwriting, and meticulous research.

Working in public radio also exposed her to a variety of topics, from local community stories to broader national issues.

This experience laid the groundwork for her transition into television, giving her a strong foundation in reporting and storytelling.

KTWO TV, Casper, Wyoming:

Jessica’s move to KTWO TV marked her entry into the world of television journalism. Here, she took on the roles of news reporter and anchor.

Reporting for television introduced her to the dynamics of visual storytelling, on-camera presentation, and the fast-paced nature of TV newsrooms.

Jessica covered a broad spectrum of news stories in Wyoming, including local politics, community events, and breaking news.

Balancing field reporting with anchoring duties allowed her to develop a versatile skill set.

Her ability to handle live broadcasts and breaking news situations with poise made her a valuable asset to the KTWO news team.

KWES TV, Midland, Texas:

At KWES TV, Jessica continued to build her reputation as a skilled journalist. As a news reporter and anchor, she covered significant regional stories, including economic developments, crime, and human interest pieces.

Midland, being an oil-rich region, presented unique challenges and stories which Jessica adeptly covered, providing viewers with comprehensive and engaging reports.

Her time at KWES allowed her to refine her anchoring style, combining warmth and authority, making her delivery relatable yet professional.

Jessica’s coverage of local elections, major court cases, and community-driven initiatives resonated well with her audience, earning her recognition within Texas broadcasting circles.

KRQE-TV, Albuquerque, New Mexico:

In 2004, Jessica joined KRQE-TV, a significant milestone in her career. She started as a general assignment reporter, covering an array of topics such as crime, politics, and education.

Quickly, her consistent performance and dedication helped her rise to the position of main evening anchor.

At KRQE, Jessica reported on major stories that captivated both local and national attention.

Notable among these is her Emmy Award-winning coverage of the kidnapping and murder of a woman in Farmington, which highlighted her investigative skills and compassionate reporting style.

Her other Emmy-winning report on the death of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard brought her acclaim for handling sensitive topics with grace and depth.

As the evening anchor for the 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, Jessica continues to deliver trusted news to the Albuquerque community.

Her dynamic reporting, informed analysis, and engaging presentation have made her a household name in New Mexico.

Here’s Jessica Garate’s notable coverage:

• Kidnapping and Murder Case in Farmington: Jessica’s Emmy-winning coverage of this tragic event was thorough and compassionate, highlighting the investigative efforts and community impact.

• Death of Matthew Shepard: Another Emmy-winning story, her in-depth and sensitive reporting on this hate crime raised awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

• CYFD Facility Conditions: Jessica exposed unsanitary conditions in New Mexico’s Children, Youth, and Families Department facilities, prompting a response from the department.

• Human Interest Stories: Jessica has a knack for connecting with her audience through heartwarming stories, such as a Make-A-Wish trip for an Albuquerque girl to experience “The Price is Right.”

Here’s a rundown of some of Jessica Garate’s notable awards and recognitions:

1. Emmy Awards: Jessica has won two coveted Emmy Awards:

• First Emmy: Awarded for her profound coverage of the tragic death of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard.
• Second Emmy: Recognized for her in-depth reporting on the kidnapping and murder of a Farmington woman.

2. State and Local Recognitions:

• Jessica has been honored numerous times by the Texas Associated Press for her exemplary reporting.

• She has also won awards from the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters.

• Her work has been recognized by the New Mexico Broadcasting Association, showcasing her contributions to the state’s journalism.

3. Woman of Influence:

• In 2021, Jessica was named a Woman of Influence by Albuquerque Business First, adding yet another feather to her cap.

4. Silver Circle Inductee (2024):

• Jessica was inducted into the Silver Circle Society, a prestigious honor that celebrates her significant contributions to the field of journalism over her remarkable career.

Jessica Garate works with a talented team of journalists and anchors at KRQE-TV. Some of her notable colleagues include:

• Dean Staley: Dean is a chief anchor at KRQE, often co-anchoring with Jessica on the evening newscasts. His extensive experience in journalism adds depth to their newscasts.

• Kim Vallez: Kim is another prominent anchor at KRQE, known for her vibrant personality and engaging news delivery.

• Eric R. Meyer: As the news director at KRQE, Eric oversees the news operations and ensures the team produces high-quality journalism.

• Jackie Kent: Jackie is a multimedia journalist who brings a unique perspective with her storytelling skills. Her ability to engage with the community and produce compelling stories is well-recognized.

• Allison Martinez: As a weekend anchor and reporter, Allison brings energy and dedication to the weekend newscasts, covering a wide range of stories for KRQE.

• Mark Ronchetti: Mark serves as the chief meteorologist, bringing weather forecasts and updates to the viewers. His expertise in meteorology complements the news team well.

This cohesive team works together to deliver comprehensive news coverage to the Albuquerque community.

Financial Status:

Jessica Garate’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting her successful journalism career, which spans numerous roles and years at KRQE-TV.

Her annual salary is estimated at around $69,634. Her tenure, experience, and prominent role as the main evening anchor at KRQE-TV contribute significantly to her earnings.

These figures highlight Jessica’s financial stability and success, underscoring the notable achievements she has made throughout her career.

Personal Life:

• Age: Jessica was born in 1978, making her 47 years old as of 2025.

• Nationality: She is American, having been born and raised in Texas.

• Relationship Status: Jessica is married.

Husband:

Jessica is married to Cleve Kidder, and they tied the knot on June 16, 2007, at the picturesque Rio Grande Botanic Garden in Albuquerque. The couple shares a joyful family life and Cleve is known to be a supportive partner and father.

Cleve, like Jessica, values privacy in his professional life, so details about his career are not widely publicized.

Together, Jessica and Cleve have navigated their journey with grace, balancing their professional commitments with their roles as parents and partners

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters)

• Weight: Estimated around 135 pounds (61 kilograms)

• Distinguishing Features:

• • Hair Color: Brown

• • Eye Color: Brown

Social Media Presence:

Jessica Garate is quite active on social media. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter where she shares news updates, behind-the-scenes content, and snippets of her personal life.