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Debra Haaland
Debra Haaland (Democratic Party) is running for election for Governor of New Mexico. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Haaland was the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. She assumed office on March 16, 2021. She left office on January 20, 2025.
Haaland was the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in the Biden administration from 2021 to 2025. The Senate confirmed Haaland by a 51-40 vote March 15, 2021.[1]
The interior secretary leads the U.S. Department of the Interior, which says it "protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities."[2]
Haaland was the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary and was one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress.[3] Haaland is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna.[4]
Haaland volunteered at her child's preschool and ran a small salsa business called Pueblo Salsa. She enrolled at the University of New Mexico (UNM) at age 28 and earned a bachelor's degree in English. She later earned a law degree from UNM Law School.[4]
Haaland was first elected to represent New Mexico's 1st Congressional District in 2018, defeating Janice Arnold-Jones (R) 59.1%-36.3%. She said, "As the representative for the families in the state’s first congressional district, I will be an advocate for renewable energy jobs to protect our land, air and water, a fighter to expand opportunities for our kids, and a champion for equity.”[5]
Before her election to Congress, she was the tribal administrator in San Felipe Pueblo, served as the chairwoman of the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors, and then chaired the Democratic Party of New Mexico.[6][7] Haaland ran unsuccessfully for New Mexico lieutenant governor in 2014, when she and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gary King (D) lost to the incumbent Republican ticket of Susana Martinez (R) and John Sanchez (R) 57.2%-42.8%.
President Joe Biden (D) nominated Haaland as interior secretary on December 17, 2020, one month after she won re-election to a second term in the U.S. House.[8] Haaland said, "If an Indigenous woman from humble beginnings can be confirmed as secretary of the Interior, our country holds promise for everyone."[6]
As secretary, Haaland created a new unit of the Bureau of Indian Affairs dedicated to investigating missing and murdered Native Americans.[9] She also launched the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, which culminated in a report that revealed at least 973 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children had died at federally funded Native American boarding schools between 1871 and 1969 and advocated for "investing in remedies to the present-day impacts."[10]
Biography
Haaland was born in Winslow, Arizona, in 1960. She is a member of the Laguna Pueblo Native American people. She received her bachelor's degree in English from the University of New Mexico in 1994 and J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law.[11]
Career
Below is an abbreviated outline of Haaland's academic, professional, and political career:[11][12]
- 2021-2025: U.S. secretary of the interior
- 2019-2021: U.S. representative for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District
- 2015-2017: Chair of the New Mexico Democratic Party
- 2014: Ran for lieutenant governor of New Mexico
- 2013-2015: Tribal administrator for the San Felipe Pueblo
- 2006: Earned J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law
- 1994: Earned B.A. from the University of New Mexico
Nomination for secretary of the interior
- See also: Joe Biden presidential transition and Confirmation process for Debra Haaland for secretary of the interior
Joe Biden's Cabinet | ||
---|---|---|
Candidate: Debra Haaland | ||
Position: Secretary of the Interior | ||
![]() | Announced: | December 17, 2020 |
![]() | Hearing: | February 23-24, 2021 |
![]() | Committee: | Energy and Natural Resoures |
![]() | Reported: | Favorable (11-9) |
![]() | Confirmed: | March 15, 2021 |
![]() | Vote: | 51-40 |
On December 17, 2020, President Joe Biden (D) announced that he had selected Haaland as his nominee for secretary of the interior.[13]
In a press release, Biden’s office said, “Haaland is a barrier-breaking public servant who has spent her career fighting for families, including in Tribal Nations, rural communities, and communities of color. Currently serving as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Haaland will be ready on day one to protect our environment and fight for a clean energy future.”[13]
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held confirmation hearings for Haaland on February 23-24, 2021. The Senate confirmed Haaland on March 15, 2021, by a vote of 51-40, making her the first Native American Cabinet secretary in U.S. history.
Click on the following table to view the full roll call.
Senate vote on Debra Haaland's nomination for secretary of interior (March 15, 2021) | |||
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Alabama | Richard Shelby | ![]() |
No |
Alabama | Tommy Tuberville | ![]() |
No |
Alaska | Lisa Murkowski | ![]() |
Yes |
Alaska | Dan Sullivan | ![]() |
Yes |
Arizona | Kyrsten Sinema | ![]() |
Yes |
Arizona | Mark Kelly | ![]() |
Yes |
Arkansas | John Boozman | ![]() |
No |
Arkansas | Tom Cotton | ![]() |
No |
California | Dianne Feinstein | ![]() |
Yes |
California | Alex Padilla | ![]() |
Yes |
Colorado | Michael F. Bennet | ![]() |
Not voting |
Colorado | John Hickenlooper | ![]() |
Not voting |
Connecticut | Richard Blumenthal | ![]() |
Yes |
Connecticut | Chris Murphy | ![]() |
Yes |
Delaware | Tom Carper | ![]() |
Yes |
Delaware | Chris Coons | ![]() |
Yes |
Florida | Rick Scott | ![]() |
No |
Florida | Marco Rubio | ![]() |
Not voting |
Georgia | Jon Ossoff | ![]() |
Yes |
Georgia | Raphael Warnock | ![]() |
Yes |
Hawaii | Mazie Hirono | ![]() |
Not voting |
Hawaii | Brian Schatz | ![]() |
Yes |
Idaho | Mike Crapo | ![]() |
No |
Idaho | James E. Risch | ![]() |
No |
Illinois | Dick Durbin | ![]() |
Yes |
Illinois | Tammy Duckworth | ![]() |
Yes |
Indiana | Mike Braun | ![]() |
No |
Indiana | Todd Young | ![]() |
No |
Iowa | Chuck Grassley | ![]() |
No |
Iowa | Joni Ernst | ![]() |
No |
Kansas | Roger Marshall | ![]() |
Not voting |
Kansas | Jerry Moran | ![]() |
No |
Kentucky | Mitch McConnell | ![]() |
No |
Kentucky | Rand Paul | ![]() |
No |
Louisiana | Bill Cassidy | ![]() |
No |
Louisiana | John Kennedy | ![]() |
No |
Maine | Susan Collins | ![]() |
Yes |
Maine | Angus King | ![]() |
Yes |
Maryland | Benjamin L. Cardin | ![]() |
Yes |
Maryland | Chris Van Hollen | ![]() |
Yes |
Massachusetts | Elizabeth Warren | ![]() |
Yes |
Massachusetts | Ed Markey | ![]() |
Yes |
Michigan | Debbie Stabenow | ![]() |
Yes |
Michigan | Gary Peters | ![]() |
Yes |
Minnesota | Amy Klobuchar | ![]() |
Yes |
Minnesota | Tina Smith | ![]() |
Yes |
Mississippi | Roger Wicker | ![]() |
No |
Mississippi | Cindy Hyde-Smith | ![]() |
No |
Missouri | Josh Hawley | ![]() |
No |
Missouri | Roy Blunt | ![]() |
No |
Montana | Steve Daines | ![]() |
No |
Montana | Jon Tester | ![]() |
Yes |
Nebraska | Deb Fischer | ![]() |
No |
Nebraska | Ben Sasse | ![]() |
No |
Nevada | Jacky Rosen | ![]() |
Yes |
Nevada | Catherine Cortez Masto | ![]() |
Yes |
New Hampshire | Jeanne Shaheen | ![]() |
Yes |
New Hampshire | Maggie Hassan | ![]() |
Yes |
New Jersey | Robert Menendez | ![]() |
Yes |
New Jersey | Cory Booker | ![]() |
Yes |
New Mexico | Ben Ray Luján | ![]() |
Yes |
New Mexico | Martin Heinrich | ![]() |
Yes |
New York | Charles E. Schumer | ![]() |
Yes |
New York | Kirsten Gillibrand | ![]() |
Yes |
North Carolina | Richard Burr | ![]() |
No |
North Carolina | Thom Tillis | ![]() |
No |
North Dakota | John Hoeven | ![]() |
No |
North Dakota | Kevin Cramer | ![]() |
No |
Ohio | Rob Portman | ![]() |
No |
Ohio | Sherrod Brown | ![]() |
Yes |
Oklahoma | James M. Inhofe | ![]() |
No |
Oklahoma | James Lankford | ![]() |
No |
Oregon | Ron Wyden | ![]() |
Yes |
Oregon | Jeff Merkley | ![]() |
Yes |
Pennsylvania | Pat Toomey | ![]() |
Not voting |
Pennsylvania | Robert P. Casey | ![]() |
Yes |
Rhode Island | Jack Reed | ![]() |
Yes |
Rhode Island | Sheldon Whitehouse | ![]() |
Yes |
South Carolina | Lindsey Graham | ![]() |
Yes |
South Carolina | Tim Scott | ![]() |
No |
South Dakota | John Thune | ![]() |
No |
South Dakota | Mike Rounds | ![]() |
No |
Tennessee | Bill Hagerty | ![]() |
Not voting |
Tennessee | Marsha Blackburn | ![]() |
No |
Texas | John Cornyn | ![]() |
No |
Texas | Ted Cruz | ![]() |
No |
Utah | Mitt Romney | ![]() |
No |
Utah | Mike Lee | ![]() |
No |
Vermont | Patrick Leahy | ![]() |
Yes |
Vermont | Bernie Sanders | ![]() |
Yes |
Virginia | Mark R. Warner | ![]() |
Yes |
Virginia | Tim Kaine | ![]() |
Yes |
Washington | Maria Cantwell | ![]() |
Yes |
Washington | Patty Murray | ![]() |
Yes |
West Virginia | Shelley Moore Capito | ![]() |
No |
West Virginia | Joe Manchin | ![]() |
Yes |
Wisconsin | Ron Johnson | ![]() |
No |
Wisconsin | Tammy Baldwin | ![]() |
Yes |
Wyoming | John Barrasso | ![]() |
Not voting |
Wyoming | Cynthia Lummis | ![]() |
Not voting |
Committee assignments
U.S. House
Key votes
- See also: Key votes
Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.
Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021
The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021, at which point Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213) and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.
Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021 | ||||||||
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Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress
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Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021The 116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.
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Elections
2026
See also: New Mexico gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Governor of New Mexico
Sam Bregman and Debra Haaland are running in the general election for Governor of New Mexico on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
Sam Bregman (D) | ||
![]() | Debra Haaland (D) |
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2020
See also: New Mexico's 1st Congressional District election, 2020
New Mexico's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 (June 2 Republican primary)
New Mexico's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 (June 2 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House New Mexico District 1
Incumbent Debra Haaland defeated Michelle Garcia Holmes in the general election for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Debra Haaland (D) | 58.2 | 186,953 |
![]() | Michelle Garcia Holmes (R) ![]() | 41.8 | 134,337 |
Total votes: 321,290 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Cameron Chick (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1
Incumbent Debra Haaland advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 on June 2, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Debra Haaland | 100.0 | 83,032 |
Total votes: 83,032 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Cameron Chick (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1
Michelle Garcia Holmes defeated Jared Vander Dussen and Brett Kokinadis in the Republican primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 on June 2, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Michelle Garcia Holmes ![]() | 48.1 | 23,783 |
![]() | Jared Vander Dussen | 40.2 | 19,847 | |
![]() | Brett Kokinadis ![]() | 11.7 | 5,798 |
Total votes: 49,428 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for U.S. House New Mexico District 1
Debra Haaland defeated Janice Arnold-Jones and Lloyd Princeton in the general election for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Debra Haaland (D) | 59.1 | 147,336 |
![]() | Janice Arnold-Jones (R) ![]() | 36.3 | 90,507 | |
![]() | Lloyd Princeton (L) | 4.5 | 11,319 |
Total votes: 249,162 (100.00% precincts reporting) | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Debra Haaland | 40.6 | 25,444 |
![]() | Damon Martinez | 25.8 | 16,182 | |
![]() | Antoinette Sedillo Lopez | 20.6 | 12,919 | |
Paul Moya | 5.9 | 3,691 | ||
![]() | Patrick Davis | 3.8 | 2,385 | |
![]() | Damian Lara | 3.3 | 2,063 |
Total votes: 62,684 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John Abrams (D)
- John Flores (D)
- Jesse Heitner (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1
Janice Arnold-Jones advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Janice Arnold-Jones ![]() | 100.0 | 19,316 |
Total votes: 19,316 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Libertarian primary election
Libertarian primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1
Lloyd Princeton advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Lloyd Princeton | 100.0 | 244 |
Total votes: 244 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
General election endorsements
- Former President Barack Obama (D)[40]
Primary endorsements
The table below summarizes the endorsements Ballotpedia identified for Democratic candidates in the primary for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District.
Democratic candidate endorsements | |||
---|---|---|---|
Endorsement | Haaland | Lopez | Martinez |
Federal officials | |||
Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Former Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawai)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Former Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)[41] | ✔ | ||
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.)[42] | ✔ | ||
Congressional Black Caucus[43] | ✔ | ||
Former U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.)[44] | ✔ | ||
Organizations | |||
American Postal Workers Union Local 380[41] | ✔ | ||
350Action.org[41] | ✔ | ||
Equality New Mexico[41] | ✔ | ||
National Education Association of New Mexico[41] | ✔ | ||
Nationa Organization for Women PAC[41] | ✔ | ||
Organizers in the Land of Enchantment[41] | ✔ | ||
Planned Parenthood Action Fund[41] | ✔ | ||
Rachel's Action Network[41] | ✔ | ||
To'hajiilee Chapter of the Navajo Nation[41] | ✔ | ||
Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations[41] | ✔ | ||
American Federation of Teachers New Mexico[45] | ✔ | ||
With Honor[46] | ✔ | ||
National Organization for Women PAC[47] | ✔ | ||
People for Bernie Sanders[43] | ✔ | ||
VoteVets[48] | ✔ | ||
Parties | |||
Working Families Party of New Mexico[49] | ✔ |
Campaign finance
2014
Haaland ran for election to the office of Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico. Haaland secured the Democratic nomination on June 3, 2014, when she ran uncontested in the primary. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.
Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, 2014 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
Republican | ![]() |
57.2% | 293,443 | |
Democrat | Gary King/Debra Haaland | 42.8% | 219,362 | |
Total Votes | 512,805 | |||
Election results via New Mexico Secretary of State |
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Debra Haaland has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Debra Haaland asking her to fill out the survey. If you are Debra Haaland, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
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2020
Debra Haaland did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Campaign website
Haaland's campaign website stated the following:
“ |
Healthcare I support a woman's right to choose when and how to have a child, full access to contraception, and believe that everyone should have access to affordable healthcare -- which means we need to expand access to abortion care. I believe healthcare is a human right, and so I will fight for universal public healthcare through Medicare for All. It’s time to challenge corporate dominance over our health, and a corporate healthcare system that is inefficient, rocky, and wildly expensive. No American should face bankruptcy, death, or poverty because of a lack of healthcare. Environment Climate change poses a real threat to our economy and our way of life through extreme weather, increasing drought, and severe heat waves across the Southwest. At the same time, the fossil fuel industry is making billions by putting our communities in harm’s way, and forcing us to pay to clean up their mess. We need to act fast to counteract climate change and keep fossil fuels in the ground. I pledge to vote against all new fossil fuel infrastructure, and to fight instead for 100% renewable energy -- including tens of thousands of solar energy jobs for New Mexicans. We deserve representatives in Congress who will stand up to the fossil fuel industry, and I will. Indigenous rights and the fight for climate justice cannot be separated, and I will fight for tribal nations across the country who are battling the fossil fuel industry in their backyard. Economy I believe in a fair society, where hardworking New Mexicans all have a shot at opportunities for success, and where corporations, millionaires, and billionaires all pay their fair share in taxes. I will fight for a $15 minimum wage so everyone who works full time can put food on the table and pay rent. I’ll double down on renewable energy to create more good paying jobs; we'll make it easier for those who want to start or expand their small business. I’ll fight to expand social security to ensure older New Mexicans can afford to live with dignity. I also believe that economic success requires equal access to resources that allow our neighbors to live with dignity and free from violence and poverty -- that includes access to SNAP, a strong social safety net, protection from climate-change fueled extreme weather, and Medicare for All. Money out of Politics I am the only candidate who hasn't written myself a big check, because I think Democrats should lead by example when it comes to taking big money out of politics. Instead, I'm running my campaign the old-fashioned way by building a grassroots campaign. Our campaign finance system is broken — it only helps those at the top. This has to stop. I know the struggles of New Mexico families because I've lived them, and you have my word: I will not accept contributions from corporate PACs, and I will fight to overturn Citizens United and bring democracy back to the people. I am committed to overturning Citizens United and getting corporate and special interest money out of politics. Education Public education is the key to social mobility and economic security, and all our kids need access to good public schools. It’s time for us to make big, smart investments in public schools and find real solutions that pull our kids and all New Mexicans out of poverty. That means we need debt-free college and universal pre-k so that all our children have an opportunity to meet their incredible potential, regardless of their income. Veterans Both of my parents were Veterans, and my dad is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Our country must live up to the promises made to our Veterans in exchange for their service and their lives. All veterans deserve good health care, including mental health services, and support to transition into civilian jobs. Accountability I will hold Donald Trump and his billionaire friends accountable -- whether it’s standing up to his racist bullying, fighting for his billionaire friends to pay their fair share, or calling for impeachment. I will fight against the demagoguery represented by the current administration, and do everything in my power to create greater transparency in our government. Civil Rights & Liberties I will continue to champion dignity and equal rights for all and protections from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and religion. In this moment when too many people are facing increasingly hateful violence -- from our black, brown, and Native American neighbors to the LGBTQ community -- I will fight for justice and dignity for marginalized communities. I support the right to privacy and net neutrality, and I will work to continue the expansion of broadband access across New Mexico. Foreign Policy & Immigration I believe in diplomacy-first, not violence-first, foreign policy that mends fences while protecting the long-term interests of the United States, and remembering that this country was built by immigrants. I want to stop deportations, protect DREAMers, and I will fight for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants in America. I will fight tirelessly against Trump’s racist and astronomically expensive wall. Immigration policy must recognize this country's dependency on (and exploitation of) immigrant labor, and treat with dignity and humanity those who work and build their families here. Labor I will fight for a $15 minimum wage, a national public paid family leave program, paid sick leave for all workers, and fair scheduling to ensure shift-workers can provide for their families with certainty. I believe in good jobs, not just jobs, jobs that allow workers to pay the rent, put food on the table, care for families, and live with dignity. I will advocate for fair trade policies that do justice to our Labor Unions. Gun Reform We must take on the NRA! Congress needs to stop wasting lives and take action on gun violence -- now. We must keep guns out of the hands of people who should never have a gun. We need 100% background checks and to close loopholes -- especially with gun shows. We need to rid our communities of military-grade weapons; neither hunting nor policing require automatic weapons. We need major funding for behavioral health programs that are accessible to everyone. We need to strip the power of the NRA with commitments from elected officials to NOT ACCEPT campaign contributions. We need to foster a society in which violence is never the answer. No one should live in fear of attending a concert, dancing at a nightclub, or going to school.[50] |
” |
—Debra Haaland’s campaign website (2018)[51] |
2014
Campaign website
Haaland's campaign website listed the following issues for the 2014 race:
“ |
Early Childhood Education: Under this current Administration, New Mexico has been ranked at the bottom of every important list, including a survey conducted by the Anne E. Casey Foundation evaluating child well-being. They found that 60% of children under 8 years old live in poverty and that our children are the most ill-prepared in terms of success later in life. We need elected officials who will stand for the most vulnerable people in our State; the children. When elected, Deb will actively support the initiative that would use a portion of the Land Grant Permanent Fund to ensure early childhood programs are properly funded, among other important pieces of legislation to get our schools back on track. Education: We cannot continue to use a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to our schools. Standardized tests SHOULD BE one tool among many to assess student achievement and are not the indicator for student success we would like to believe. Our state is diverse and we must recognize that our children learn differently according to cultural and linguistic differences. What works for another state may not work for our students, often whose first language is not English, and we must embrace that. Improving our education system starts with treating each child as the individual they are. We must rely on the qualified professionals in the field to help craft policy that will make New Mexico’s education system a leader, and we need to pay those professionals a wage that reflects their stewardship of the future of our state. As Lt. Governor, Deb will be a strong advocate for New Mexico’s education system and common sense improvements that will benefit all New Mexicans. Jobs and the Economy: Under this Administration, New Mexico is losing jobs daily and something must be done. If elected, Deb will work to ensure that we turn things around and make New Mexico a competitor in the national job market. We can use the resources we have here in New Mexico to stimulate small business and create an environment that is conducive to startups. Through innovative programs like technology transfers we can harness the talents of our state and create a positive environment for local business ventures. Increasing minimum wage would give families the increase in income so badly needed by everyday New Mexicans. This income would go directly back into our LOCAL economy and stimulate our state’s stagnant job market. Minimum Wage We know minimum wage helps working families. We know that when you pay those families more per hour they are able to put food on their tables and keep a home. We have watched, over the past four years, tax breaks for corporations fail as our state continues to hemorrhage jobs. Big companies, despite their tax breaks, are leaving our state and taking their jobs with them. It’s time to invest in the working families of New Mexico. Equal Rights: In New Mexico, we respect each and every family. New Mexico is now among only 17 states in the country that allow same-sex marriage, and as the parent of a lesbian daughter, I know that LGBTQIA rights are human rights. We MUST continue to support members of our community who identify as LGBTQIA and expand protections to stop discrimination in our state. Sadly, New Mexico continues to trail the national average in equal pay for women and especially women of color. According to the National Women’s Law Center, in New Mexico women trail men in wages from 20-45 cents for every dollar. It’s time we gave New Mexican women the pay they deserve. As a single mother, Deb understands the struggles associated with working hard to put food on the table. State government has a responsibility to create an environment where diverse families all have opportunities. Environment & Alternative Energy: I am guided by my culture to be conscious of everything around me and to be thankful for the beauty of this state. In New Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and we must ensure that they will be enjoyed for generations to come. As a state we need a responsible and balanced approach finding alternative energy as well as utilizing our available natural resources. We are rich in oil and natural gas and as we transition to cutting edge technology, these resources are integral. New Mexico is one of the sunniest states in the country and ranks within the top 10 states with wind power potential, yet we devote very little to this flourishing industry. As Lt. Governor, Deb will make sure that state government capitalizes on all possible resources, while preserving our landscape for future generations. State and Tribal Relations: As sovereign nations, our tribes deserve respect and trust in the governance of their people. Our state government should be working closely with tribes to ensure that all of New Mexico’s diverse cultures are preserved and valued. The State Tribal Collaboration Act (STCA) of 2009 (SB 196) requires that the Executive office consult with the tribes on matters concerning their governments, and that every agency of the Administration promotes effective communication, cultural competency, and positive government-to-government relations. As Lt. Governor I will work to support the mandates of the SCTA in the spirit and the letter of the law. As Lt. Governor, I would truly acknowledge Tribal Leaders as Heads of State. New Mexico Tribes are a tremendous asset to our state in terms of economic development, cultural richness, and revenue sharing. The state must properly acknowledge these important contributions by our tribes and work to support tribal interests, ideas, and traditions so that State/Tribal Relations are a true reflection of respect.[50] |
” |
—Debra Haaland's campaign website, (2014)[52] |
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Notable endorsements
This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.
2016 Democratic National Convention
Ballot measure activity
The following table details Haaland's ballot measure stances available on Ballotpedia:
Ballot measure support and opposition for Debra Haaland | |||
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Ballot measure | Year | Position | Status |
Albuquerque, New Mexico, Proposition 2, Democracy Dollars Program Initiative (November 2019) | 2019 | Supported[59] | ![]() |
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Associated Press, "Haaland OK’d at Interior, 1st Native American Cabinet head," March 15, 2021
- ↑ U.S. Department of the Interior, "About Interior," accessed September 6, 2024
- ↑ Associated Press, "US Interior Secretary Haaland reflects on tenure and tradition amid policy challenges," June 27, 2023
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 U.S. Department of the Interior, "Secretary Deb Haaland," accessed September 4, 2024
- ↑ Today.com, "Rep. Debra Haaland wears traditional Native American dress to swearing-in ceremony," January 4, 2019
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 CBS News, "What Deb Haaland's historic confirmation means to Native Americans," March 1, 2021
- ↑ Laguna Development Corporation, "About LDC," accessed September 4, 2024
- ↑ NBC News, "Biden selects Deb Haaland as interior secretary, Michael Regan as EPA chief," December 17, 2020
- ↑ CNN, "Deb Haaland creates unit to investigate killings and disappearances of Indigenous people," April 6, 2021
- ↑ NPR, "Nearly a thousand children died at Indian boarding schools funded by the U.S.," July 30, 2024
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 U.S. Department of the Interior, "Secretary Deb Haaland," accessed March 17, 2021
- ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Debra Haaland," accessed March 17, 2021
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Biden-Harris Transition, "President-elect Biden Announces Key Members of His Climate Team," December 17, 2020
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.5 - Equality Act," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.Res.24 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1044 - Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020," accessed March 22, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act," accessed April 23, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2019," accessed April 23, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.748 - CARES Act," accessed April 23, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.5 - Equality Act," accessed April 23, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019," accessed April 23, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6 - American Dream and Promise Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.1790 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act," accessed April 24, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1994 - Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.3 - Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act," accessed March 22, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1865 - Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.1838 - Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.3884 - MORE Act of 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6074 - Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.J.Res.31 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.47 - John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6395 - William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6395 - William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.24 - Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.Res.755 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.Res.755 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors," accessed April 27, 2024
- ↑ Vox, "Barack Obama just issued his first 2018 endorsements," August 1, 2018
- ↑ 41.00 41.01 41.02 41.03 41.04 41.05 41.06 41.07 41.08 41.09 41.10 41.11 41.12 41.13 41.14 41.15 41.16 41.17 41.18 41.19 41.20 41.21 41.22 41.23 41.24 41.25 41.26 Deb for Congress, "Endorsements," accessed May 7, 2018
- ↑ Antoinette Sedillo Lopez 2018 campaign website, "Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-allard Endorses Antoinette!” January 23, 2018
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 Albuquerque Journal, "Haaland, Sedillo Lopez receive Black Caucus, Bernie Sanders group’s endorsements," January 11, 2018
- ↑ U.S. News & World Report, "Ex-US Sen. Bingaman Endorses Damon Martinez for Congress," October 8, 2017
- ↑ Twitter, "American Federation of Teachers New Mexico," April 26, 2018
- ↑ With Honor, "Press Release: With Honor Endorses Nine Principled Veterans for Congress," March 15, 2018
- ↑ Los Alamos Daily Post, "National Organization For Women PAC Endorses Deb Haaland For Congress," February 21, 2018
- ↑ Politico, "Dayton expected to pick lieutenant governor to replace Franken if he resigns," December 7, 2017
- ↑ Antoinette Sedillo Lopez 2018 campaign website, "Antoinette Sedillo Lopez’ Campaign for Congress Announces the Endorsement of Working Families Party of New Mexico,” accessed March 27, 2018
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Debra Haaland’s campaign website, “Priorities,” accessed May 4, 2018
- ↑ Debra Haaland for New Mexico Lt. Governor 2014, "On the Issues," accessed August 6, 2014
- ↑ Ballotpedia's list of superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention is based on our own research and lists provided by the Democratic National Committee to Vox.com in February 2016 and May 2016. If you think we made an error in identifying superdelegates, please send an email to [email protected].
- ↑ To find out which candidate a superdelegate supported, Ballotpedia sought out public statements from the superdelegate in other media outlets and on social media. If we were unable to find a public statement that clearly articulated which candidate the superdelegate supported at the national convention, we listed that superdelegate as "unknown." If you believe we made an error in identifying which candidate a superdelegate supported, please email us at [email protected].
- ↑ Congressional Research Service, "The Presidential Nominating Process and the National Party Conventions, 2016: Frequently Asked Questions," December 30, 2015
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 Democratic National Committee, "2016 Democratic National Convention Delegate/Alternate Allocation," updated February 19, 2016
- ↑ The Green Papers, "2016 Democratic Convention," accessed May 7, 2021
- ↑ Democratic National Committee's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection, "Unpledged Delegates -- By State," May 27, 2016
- ↑ Twitter, "ABQ Democracy Dollars," October 31, 2019
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by - |
U.S. Secretary of the Interior 2021-2025 |
Succeeded by Walter Cruickshank |
Preceded by Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) |
U.S. House New Mexico District 1 2019-2021 |
Succeeded by Melanie Ann Stansbury (D) |
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State of New Mexico Santa Fe (capital) |
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