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Deb Haaland wins in New Mexico and will become first female Native American governor
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Deb Haaland has been elected governor of New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman to govern a US state, defeating Republican Gregg Hull.
- Haaland, a Democrat and member of Laguna Pueblo, previously served as the first Indigenous cabinet secretary as interior secretary under President Joe Biden.
- Her election reflects growing political influence of Indigenous voters, who make up 12% of New Mexico’s population and have seen increased representation nationwide.
- Haaland’s political career includes being the first Native American woman elected to Congress in 2018 and serving as Native American vote director for Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign.
- The 2022 election cycle featured a record 358 Indigenous candidates running for various offices, highlighting significant recent gains in Native American political representation despite historical voting restrictions.
