New Mexico is the first state to elect three minority women to the House
Deb Haaland, Yvette Herrell and Teresa Leger Fernandez won the elections in all three New Mexico constituencies
The state of New Mexico confirmed on Wednesday the victories of Acting Representative Deb Haaland , and Yvette Herrell and Teresa Leger Fernandez in the elections of New Mexico’s three congressional districts .
“Tonight, the people of New Mexico have chosen hope over fear, love over hate, community over division,” Deb Haaland wrote on Twitter Tuesday . “Tonight I pledge to fight for legislation that guides our nation forward in the areas of climate change, education, racial equality, health, and economic justice.”
Haaland, who is a registered citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna and identifies as a 35th generation New Mexican , made history in 2018 when she became one of the first Native American congresswomen.
Democrat Haaland, who has spoken out on issues such as indigenous peoples’ rights and environmental justice, won re-election in the state’s 1st Congressional District, against Republican rival Michelle Garcia Holmes.
Republican Herrell, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation and a former representative in the New Mexico House of Representatives, won her challenge against current Democratic Representative Xochitl Torres Small in the second congressional district.
Herrell campaigned to be New Mexico’s conservative voice in Congress and has received the support of President Donald Trump , among other renowned Republicans.
“It is the honor of my life to be chosen to serve # NM02,” Herrell wrote on Twitter announcing her victory. “My commitment to every citizen in our district is that I will serve each of them with integrity as we work together to rebuild our economy and protect the values that make America great!”
And in the state’s 3rd Congressional District, Democrat Leger Fernandez beat Republican Alexis Johnson.
Leger Fernandez, who was born and raised in northern New Mexico, has decades of experience as an attorney, working specifically as an advocate for the rights of Hispanic tribes, women, immigrants, and communities. She will replace Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Luján, who won the open seat in the United States Senate.
“The people of New Mexico have chosen to protect what we love: our democracy, our planet, our families and communities, our health care and our future,” Leger Fernandez wrote on Twitter. With this victory, I promise you that I will take the courageous action that this historic moment demands. Many thanks!”
