Teresa Leger Fernandez

In 2009, Teresa Leger Fernandez was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. In this role, she provided important advice and recommendations on national historic preservation policy, focusing on advancing and preserving the nation's cultural heritage. Her work involved coordinating with various federal, state, and tribal entities to ensure that cultural sites were protected and recognized for their significance to the American story.

On May 28, 2020, Teresa Leger Fernandez received an endorsement from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent progressive figure in American politics. Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement highlighted Leger Fernandez's commitment to progressive causes such as climate action, healthcare reform, and social justice. This endorsement was a boost to Leger Fernandez's campaign, as it underscored her alignment with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and helped draw national attention to her candidacy and policy priorities as she sought to win the Democratic primary.

On June 2, 2020, Teresa Leger Fernandez won the Democratic primary for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. She ran on a platform advocating for healthcare reform, environmental protection, and education improvement, appealing to voters with her progressive ideas and experience in law and public service. Her victory in the primary was a significant step towards becoming New Mexico's first Latino woman elected to Congress in this district. The race was closely watched as a representation of new progressive momentum within the Democratic Party.

On November 3, 2020, Teresa Leger Fernandez was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. Her election marked a historic moment as she became one of the first women and the first Latina to represent this district. During her campaign, she emphasized the importance of protecting the environment, advancing healthcare access, and ensuring educational opportunities for all. Her victory was celebrated by many as a breakthrough for progressive values and representation within the state and the country.

On January 3, 2021, Teresa Leger Fernandez was sworn into the 117th Congress as the U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. As a member of Congress, she focused on issues such as climate change, indigenous rights, and healthcare reform. Her role in Congress involved introducing and supporting legislation aimed at promoting social and economic justice, reflecting her background as a community lawyer and advocate. Her tenure is marked by her dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents.

On March 11, 2021, Teresa Leger Fernandez voted in favor of the American Rescue Plan Act, a significant economic stimulus bill designed to aid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation included provisions for direct stimulus payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, and funds for vaccine distribution. Leger Fernandez supported the bill as a vital measure to support struggling families, health systems, and the broader economy. Her vote underscored her commitment to her constituents in New Mexico and her role in addressing the urgent challenges posed by the pandemic.

On August 10, 2021, Teresa Leger Fernandez helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a substantial bipartisan infrastructure bill totaling $1.2 trillion. The legislation aimed at overhauling the nation's infrastructure by funding roads, bridges, public transport, water systems, and broadband expansion. Leger Fernandez's support was influenced by the bill's potential to modernize infrastructure and create jobs in New Mexico, addressing both urban and rural needs. Her advocacy for the bill demonstrated her commitment to sustainable growth and infrastructure development.

On June 7, 2022, Teresa Leger Fernandez won the Democratic primary for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District, paving the way for her re-election campaign in the November general election. Leger Fernandez focused her primary campaign on her accomplishments in office, including efforts to expand healthcare access, support infrastructure development, and advocate for climate change policies. Her victory in the primary election reaffirmed her standing and support within the constituency, solidifying her position as a leading progressive voice in New Mexico politics.

On November 8, 2022, Teresa Leger Fernandez was re-elected to serve another term in the United States House of Representatives for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. Her re-election campaign focused on her legislative achievements and commitment to issues like climate change, economic development, and indigenous rights. Her continued service was seen as validation of her effective representation and alignment with her constituents' priorities. Her victory reaffirmed her as a key progressive leader and advocate for change in the House.

On June 23, 2023, Teresa Leger Fernandez advocated for new legislation focused on protecting public lands in New Mexico. The proposed legislation aimed to enhance conservation efforts, provide better resources for managing public lands, and support local economies through sustainable tourism and recreation. Her advocacy highlighted the significance of preserving natural landscapes and ecosystems, ensuring environmental sustainability, and boosting economic opportunities for communities dependent on public lands. Her role demonstrated her ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.