Deb Haaland announced this morning her intention to seek the Chairmanship of New Mexico’s Democratic Party.
“There is a lot of healing that needs to be done, and a lot of uniting. As I traveled the state in 2014, I saw what was beautiful and amazing about New Mexico and our Party, but I also saw things we could do better. That’s why I’m running for Chair; we can rebuild our party and create new bridges that will enable us to come back in 2015 and 2016 stronger than ever.”
Haaland made history in 2014 as the first Native American to run on a statewide major party gubernatorial ticket, and is poised to make history again in 2015 as the first Native American woman to lead a major political party in New Mexico.
"I’m proud to stand with Deb Haaland today as she begins this journey,” said State Auditor elect Tim Keller. “Deb is as fantastic a leader as she is a person, and I know she will fight for Democratic values across our state."
“It’s absolutely a privilege and an honor, and one I take very seriously,” said Haaland. “The bottom line is this: as Democrats, we must solidify our Party in 2015 so that in 2016 we can advocate effectively for Early Childhood Education, fight for our teachers and workers, and support our candidates in all 33 counties.“
Haaland further stated that the focus of the Party will be to win elections.
Haaland is currently a Tribal Administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, and is Chairwoman of the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors, a former small business owner, and Graduate of UNM Law. In addition to working Native Country for President Obama in both 2008 and 2012, Haaland has worked on several local and statewide campaigns in a variety of capacities.