deb haaland is fierce

Deb Haaland (D-NM) is a relatively new face to politics. Just joining The House of Representatives back in 2019. She currently serves to represent New Mexico's first district. Her district is composed of Albuquerque and surrounding suburbs. She is one of two native-American American serving in Congress, the other being Sharice Davids (D-KS). Deb is also a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe. Haaland received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of New Mexico in 1994.

She had served as the chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico Native American Caucus from 2012 and 2013. In 2014, she was on the gubernatorial ticket as lieutenant governor under Gary King. Their run was unsuccessful and they had lost to Susanna Martinez (R-NM), who served from 2011-2019. after their defeat, Haaland was elected to the position of chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Her term allowed Democrats to take back the House of Representatives in NM and the secretary of the state. She is known for her remarkable tenure in the position.

This lead to her seeking a spot in the US House of Representatives in 2018. She sought to fill the seat of Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), who successfully ran for governor. Haaland achieved gaining the democratic nomination in mid-2018. She had won the race to Janice Arnold-Jones (R-NM), with 59.1% of the vote. In her first term, Haaland established herself as a progressive supporting abolishing ICE, Medicare for all, and the Green New Deal.

In 2020 she sought re-election to the House. She defeated Michelle Garcia Holmes (R-NM) with 58.2% of the vote. Shortly after the election, president-elect Biden had chosen her as his nomination to the Secretary of the Interior. If Deb is nominated, she would be the first Native American nominated to the post and Native American to serve in a cabinet position. Progressives pushed for this choice along with Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and fellow progressive Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

Haaland has used the word fierce throughout her campaign and it has become her trademarked term. She will focus on being fierce, climate change, and the environment. So what do I think of her? Deb is a proven leader committed to her tribe and the environment. Her appointment is historic and is my favorite pick of Biden's. She will lead the department and assist in the racial wealth gap, the climate crisis, while based in science. Being the only progressive in the cabinet, Deb will have to work to ensure that progressive voices and ideals are pushed during Biden's term and work to be fierce for us all.

What does this mean for Deb in the future? I am assuming and (hoping) that Biden won't seek re-election. I feel that if Deb threw her hat into the ring, she would have a solid chance. I could also see her seeking a term in the senate in the future.

Stay tuned for my next post where I will talk all things Donald Trump.