Clyde K. Tingley was born on a farm near London, Ohio, on January 5, 1882. He moved to New Mexico in 1910, and served in several positions and offices including: alderman and member of the Albuquerque City Commission; district maintenance superintendent, New Mexico State Highway Department, Albuquerque district (1925-1926); chairman of the Albuquerque City Commission for 12 years; and delegate to Democratic National Conventions (1928, 1932, and 1936). Tingley was elected Governor of New Mexico in 1934, and re-elected in 1936. After serving as Governor he was again chairman of the Albuquerque City Commission (1940-1953). Tingley was married to Carrie Wooster and died in Albuquerque on December 24, 1960.

Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico is named for him.