Michael L. "Mike" Runnels (September 11, 1945 – February 5, 2015) was an American politician and lawyer.Born in Magnolia, Arkansas to Harold and Dorothy Runnels, he grew up in Lovington, New Mexico and graduated from Lovington High School. He received his bachelor's degree Colorado College and then went to the University of Texas. Runnels then went to University of Texas School of Law and received his law degree.