Green Gov 2026
MEET DEB HAALAND
Deb Haaland is a voice of and for the people. She's a 35th generation New Mexican, member of Laguna Pueblo, small businesswoman, and a mother. She grew up in a military family and attended New Mexico schools. She also knows what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck, and brings these experiences to her work.
She's a trailblazer. Haaland's dedication to serving New Mexico families has made history. She was one of the first Native American women to serve in the U.S. Congress, where she focused on environmental justice, climate change, and family-friendly policies. She was also the first Native American woman elected to lead a State Party, and the first Native American to serve in the Cabinet when she has appointed Secretary for Department of Interior under the Biden-Harris Administration.
She's a leader. As a Congress member, Haaland earned a 98% lifetime score on the League of Conservation Voters' Scorecard, showing that she time and time again sided with communities on clean air, safe drinking water, functioning democracy, and more. As Secretary of the Interior, she lead on efforts to foster and expand public land co-stewardship with sovereign nations and tribes. She also played a leading role in driving a nationwide initiative to protect public lands and waters.
QUOTES & STATEMENTS
"I'll do whatever I can do to stand up for our public lands. They give us this amazing outdoor economy that so many people rely on to keep a roof over their family's head...and of course, our children deserve to have these public lands far into the future."
- April 4, 2025, Living on Earth Interview
"We’ve restored rivers to their free-flowing form and cleared fish passages… connected key wildlife corridors… protected Indigenous sacred sites… and enhanced access for subsistence uses in key places. We’ve made decisions as to what’s best, not for industry’s bottom line, but for current and future generations. And we did all of this work with integrity and guided by our values."
- January 15, 2025, Department of Interior Farewell Speech
"I believe that the foundation we build now will help young people of today to become good stewards of our lands and waters, and hopefully keep more children safe."
- March 17, 2022, Department of Interior Press Release
SUPPORTERS & ENDORSEMENTS
Organizations listed here have formally endorsed Deb Haaland and also work on issues aligned with one or more of the Green Gov 2026 focus areas
"Addressing climate change is crucial to the future of our families, our economy and our country as a whole...I believe that a clean energy future is within our grasp in the United States, but it will take all of us and the best-available science to make it happen. I come from New Mexico, and I know how important oil and gas revenues are for state budgets. I also recognize that demand and energy innovations are diversifying, and so are states’ revenue sources and economies."
- May 11, 2021, The 19th Newsroom Interview
"As governor, I will make sure New Mexico’s state parks are maintained and accessible, and I’ll work to break down barriers to access these treasures. If the national parks and other federal lands in New Mexico suffer further staffing and resource cuts, I will explore ways for the state to step up and provide support to keep federal lands safe and available. I will continue efforts to recruit and hire federal workers who have lost their jobs so that they can continue to share their valuable skills and training."
- April 28, 2025, Outside Magazine Op-ed