ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A Democratic activist and tribal administrator from Albuquerque is the new leader of New Mexico’s Democratic Party.
Debra Haaland became the first Native American to lead a state party in New Mexico on Saturday following a Democratic State Central Committee meeting at a high school gym in Albuquerque.
The 54-year-old, who ran for lieutenant governor last year, beat Santa Fe County party chairman Richard Ellenberg by a vote of 214 to 168.
Haaland replaces Sam Bregman.
Bregman decided not to seek a second term after the party’s historic election loss in November that saw Republicans gain control of the New Mexico House for the first time in 60 years.
Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo, says she plans to start soliciting for more funds and doing outreach for minority voters.
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