William Calhoun McDonald (July 25, 1858 – April 11, 1918) was an American politician, and the first governor of the State of New Mexico.

[1] In 1878, McDonald moved to Fort Scott, Kansas, where he served as an apprentice at the law offices of Joseph S. Lorrence.

Staking out mining claims and working as a mineral surveyor, he managed and later purchased the Carrizozo Cattle Ranch Company.

[3] During his tenure, various laws affecting working conditions were passed,[4][5] the state's government was structured, and raids by Mexican bandits were dealt with.

McDonald died in El Paso, Texas on April 11, 1918, and is interred at Cedarvale Cemetery in White Oaks.