Joseph Richard Skeen (June 30, 1927 – December 7, 2003) was an American politician who served as a congressman from southern New Mexico.

During the final year of World War II, Skeen entered the United States Navy.

He was helped by the splitting of the Democratic vote between King and Runnels, as well as Ronald Reagan carrying the district.

[1][2] As a congressman, Skeen had a largely conservative voting record but also brought numerous projects to his district.

[citation needed] After skating to reelection from 1982 to 1990, including two completely unopposed bids in 1988 and 1990, he faced aggressive Democratic challenges for most of the 1990s.