Women’s History Month Spotlight: Former Secretary Deb Haaland

She grew up the daughter of a Marine and a Navy veteran, an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, and a 35th-generation New Mexican. She raised her daughter as a single mother, once relied on SNAP benefits to make ends meet, and built her career from the ground up — one barrier at a time.

In 2018, Deb Haaland made history as one of the first two Native American women ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Three years later, she shattered another ceiling when President Biden nominated her as Secretary of the Interior — and on March 15, 2021, she was confirmed, becoming the first Native American to serve in a presidential Cabinet in the history of the United States.

The significance was impossible to overstate. She was now overseeing the very lands her ancestors have called home since the 1200s.

But Deb Haaland isn't done making history.

She is currently running to become the governor of New Mexico — which would make her the first Native American woman ever elected governor in U.S. history. The Democratic primary is June 2, 2026.

First the House. Then the Cabinet. Now, the Governor's Mansion.

This Women's History Month, Leading Ladies Vote is proud to celebrate a woman who doesn't just break ceilings — she keeps going.

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Plus: Control of Congress could hinge on just a handful of races — and they might not be in your state. Explore our 2026 Congressional Candidate Dashboard to see who’s running, where they stand, and why it matters to all of us