SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate Democratic leadership today congratulated Governor-elect Deb Haaland and Lieutenant Governor-elect Stephanie Garcia Richard on their decisive victory in Tuesday’s general election, and pledged to work hand in hand with the incoming administration to make life better and more affordable for every New Mexican.
With her win, Haaland becomes the first Native American woman elected governor in the history of the United States. It is the latest in a career of firsts. In 2018, she was one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress, and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior she became the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary.
Garcia Richard broke ground as the first woman and first Latina elected New Mexico’s Commissioner of Public Lands. As lieutenant governor she will serve as President of the Senate, presiding over the chamber during session. Senate Democrats look forward to welcoming her to the rostrum when the Legislature convenes in January.
Together, Haaland and Garcia Richard form the first all-woman ticket ever elected to lead New Mexico.
“New Mexicans made history last night, and they made their priorities just as clear,” said Senate Majority Leader Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe). “Families across our state are telling us that the cost of basic essentials, health care and housing is stretching them too thin, and that our seniors and retirees deserve real security. Governor-elect Haaland has spent her career bringing people together, and that is exactly how Senate Democrats intend to work with her administration: side by side, focused on results for every corner of New Mexico.”
New Mexico’s results were part of a remarkable night nationwide. Voters returned Democratic majorities to both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, and elected a new generation of leaders who reflect the full diversity of the country they serve.
Haaland’s victory came alongside that of Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who will become the first Native American woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of any state, and one of a record five Black governors who will serve at the same time. Michigan elected Abdul El-Sayed, who will be the nation’s first Muslim U.S. senator, and New Hampshire’s Chris Pappas became the first openly gay man elected to the Senate. Gina Hinojosa will be the first Latina governor of Texas, while Amy Acton in Ohio and Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota will each become the first woman to lead their state.
The message from voters was loud and clear. They want leaders who will focus on what matters most to their families: the cost of living, access to health care, good schools and safe communities. These new leaders not only reflect those values, they also look like the people they were elected to represent.
“A daughter of Laguna Pueblo has just been elected to the highest office in our state, and that is a moment our children will read about in their history books,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque). “I’m also thrilled to welcome Lieutenant Governor-elect Garcia Richard back to the Roundhouse. She knows this building, she knows how the Legislature works, and I look forward to partnering with her as she takes the gavel and presides over the Senate. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and we’re ready to get started.”
Governor-elect Haaland and Lieutenant Governor-elect Garcia Richard will take office on January 1, 2027. The 60-day legislative session convenes January 19, 2027.
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