Congress has seen many people come and go during its tenure, but never a Native American woman. Deb Haaland, a Democratic politician from New Mexico, hopes to break that barrier. With an extensive background in political activism, including two years as Chairwoman of New Mexico’s Democratic Party, Haaland built an impressive resume. Haaland’s platform revolves around environmental conscientiousness and affordable healthcare. Her intimate knowledge of New Mexico and its constituents will surely send waves of change towards Washington. As she closes in on November elections, her congressional campaign radiates with one thought: “Congress has never heard a voice like mine.”
CAREER TIMELINE
1994: Graduated from University of New Mexico
2005: Authored and led passage of SB 482 in the New Mexico Legislature, which allowed members of New Mexico Indian tribes in-state tuition at higher education institutions regardless of their residency
2006: Earned her Juris Doctor from the New Mexico School of Law
2010: Served as the Native American Vote Manager for the Diane Denish gubernatorial campaign
2010–2015: Served on the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors, also became the first appointed Chairwoman of the LDC
2012: Served as state’s vote director for Native American’s in Obama’s reelection campaign
2012–2013: Served as Native American Caucus Chair for the Democratic Party of New Mexico
2013–2015: Served as tribal administrator for the San Felipe Pueblo
2015–2017: Served as Chairwoman of the New Mexico Democratic Party
2017: Partnered with state LGBTQ civil rights leaders to help pass a ban on Conversion Therapy in New Mexico, one of few progressive legislations signed by the Governor
Mara Elliott
