Deb Haaland

Subnational level: Governor
Written By Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

Deb Haaland (Debra Ann Halland) is a nominee for governor of New Mexico. A member of Laguna Pueblo, Haaland earned both a bachelor’s degree in English and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico, then built a career in Tribal administration, state politics, and national public service. Haaland was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 and served as Secretary of the Interior in President Joseph R. Biden’s administration from 2021 to 2025, becoming the first Native American to hold a cabinet position. In her campaign for governor, Haaland has emphasized protecting public lands, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening communities, and advancing policies that support working families. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

A Los Angeles-native, Alison moved to New York to attend NYU where she studied international development and documentary filmmaking. After graduating, she was awarded a Fulbright grant to research migration patterns during the Brazilian Belle Epoque in Manaus, Brazil. She is currently pursuing a dual Master's of International Affairs/Juris Doctor degree with the Colin Powell School and CUNY Law.

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