Summary
Current Position: US Representative of NM-03 since 2021
Affiliation: Democrat
District: northern half of New Mexico, including the state’s Capital, Santa Fe. The district has a significant Native American presence, encompassing most of the New Mexico portion of the Navajo Nation, situated in the northwest corner of the state, and most of the Puebloan peoples reservations.[
Upcoming Election:
After graduating from law school, Leger Fernandez returned to New Mexico to work as an attorney, specializing in community-building and tribal advocacy. She was a White House Fellow during the Clinton administration and later served on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation during the Obama administration.
For 30 years, Leger Fernandez has operated Leger Law and Strategy, LLC in Santa Fe. The firm focuses on community development, tribal advocacy, civil rights, and social justice.[10] In 2017, she led a successful effort to implement ranked-choice voting in Santa Fe’s municipal elections.
Quotes:
Our educators are right! We must develop other reliable revenue streams to fund our public schools – but we don’t have to do it alone. I’m working to ensure that states that rely on oil & gas revenues can transition without leaving any community behind.
Meet the newest member of New Mexico’s history-making House delegation
OnAir Post: Teresa Leger Fernandez NM-03
News
About
Source: Government page
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández represents New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District. In Washington, she holds a leadership role with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as Freshman Representative. Congresswoman Leger Fernández serves as chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States for the 117th Congress. She has also been appointed to the House Committee on Education and Labor, the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the Committee on House Administration.
She is a 17th generation Northern New Mexican. Before coming to Congress, Leger Fernández worked as an attorney and advocate, and won important legal battles to advance voting rights, promote tribal sovereignty, and protect our environment and acequia waters. She has helped secure nearly a billion dollars for, and then helped build, schools, rural health clinics, broadband, businesses, affordable housing and critical infrastructure for New Mexico. Leger Fernández was also a Clinton and Obama presidential appointee and worked as a White House Fellow on housing issues and as Vice Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Personal
Full Name: Teresa Leger Fernandez
Gender: Female
Family: 3 Children
Birth Date: 07/01/1959
Birth Place: Las Vegas, NM
Home City: Santa Fe, NM
Religion: Catholic
Source: Vote Smart
Education
JD, Stanford University Law School, 1984-1987
Attended, Graduate Studies in Economic Development and Planning, The University of Texas at Austin, 1983-1984
BA, Latin American Studies, Yale University, 1978-1982
Political Experience
Representative, United States House of Representatives, New Mexico, District 3, 2021-present
Candidate, United States House of Representatives, New Mexico, District 3, 2022
Professional Experience
Counsel/Strategist, Leger Law and Strategy, Limited Liability Company, 2013-present
Council Vice Chair, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, 2013-2016
Partner/Managing Partner, Nordhaus Law Firm, 1989-2013
Fellow, White House Fellows, 1994-1995
Judicial Law Clerk, United States District Court, Northern District of California, 1987-1989
Offices
WASHINGTON DC OFFICE
1432 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6190
SANTA FE DISTRICT OFFICE
120 S Federal Pl
Suite 110B
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: (505) 428-4680
Contact
Email: Government
Web Links
Politics
Source: none
Finances
Source: Vote Smart
Committees
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández serves on the House Rules Committee as Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process. The Rules Committee determines what bills are considered and voted on by the full House of Representatives. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries placed his trust in the congresswoman to represent the minority in this powerful committee.
The congresswoman serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources as the Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. This subcommittee oversees all matters regarding American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and insular areas. As Ranking Member, her focus is to build on the momentum from last Congress. When Leger Fernández was chair of the subcommittee, they made historic investments and passed the STOP Act to crack down on the trafficking of tribal cultural items. The congresswoman advocates to protect sacred land, uplift Native voices, and celebrate Indigenous cultures
Congresswoman Leger Fernández also serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. As a member of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, she is committed to making the paths to higher education and workforce development equitably available. Regardless of a student choosing to go to college, university, or vocational school, quality education must be accessible and affordable to all.
CAUCUSES
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández is a member of the following caucuses:
- Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chair of Communications
- Democratic Women’s Caucus, Vice Chair
- National Labs Caucus, Co-Chair
- Rural Broadband Caucus, Co-Chair
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Diabetes Caucus
- Labor Caucus
- LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus
- Mental Health Caucus
- National Heritage Area Caucus
- Native American Caucus
- PFAS Caucus
- Pro-Choice Caucus
- Rural Caucus
- Ski Caucus
New Legislation
Issues
Source: Government page
CONGRESS
ECONOMY
EDUCATION
ENERGY
HEALTH
VETERANS
More Information
Services
Source: Government page
District
Source: Wikipedia
New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district serves the northern half of New Mexico, including the state’s Capital, Santa Fe. The district has a significant Native American presence, encompassing most of the New Mexico portion of the Navajo Nation, situated in the northwest corner of the state, and most of the Puebloan peoples reservations.[2] The current Representative is Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez.
Wikipedia
Teresa Isabel Leger Fernandez (/tɛˈrɛsɑː ˈlɛdʒər fɛrnɑːndɛs/ teh-RESS-ah LEDGE-ər ferr-NAHN-dess; born July 1, 1959)[1][2] is an American attorney and politician representing New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.[3][4]
Early life and education
Leger Fernandez was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico.[5] Her mother, Mela Leger, was a bilingual educator and her father, Ray Leger, served as a member of the New Mexico Senate.[6] After graduating from West Las Vegas High School, Leger Fernandez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.[7]
Career
After graduating from law school, Leger Fernandez returned to New Mexico to work as an attorney, specializing in community-building and tribal advocacy. She was a White House Fellow during the Clinton administration and later served on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation during the Obama administration.[8][9] She also worked as a liaison between the White House Office and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For 30 years, Leger Fernandez has operated Leger Law and Strategy, LLC in Santa Fe. The firm focuses on community development, tribal advocacy, civil rights, and social justice.[10] In 2017, she led a successful effort to implement ranked-choice voting in Santa Fe’s municipal elections.[11]
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2020
After incumbent Representative Ben Ray Luján announced that he would not seek reelection in 2020 and instead run for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Tom Udall, Leger Fernandez announced her candidacy to succeed Luján. In the Democratic primary, Leger Fernandez faced six opponents, including New Mexico State Representative Joseph L. Sanchez and Valerie Plame, an author and former CIA officer.[12] During the campaign, Leger Fernandez was endorsed by Congresswoman Deb Haaland, EMILY’s List, and The Santa Fe New Mexican.[13][14]
A political progressive, Leger Fernandez was also endorsed by the Working Families Party, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[15] She placed first in the primary with over 42% of the vote.[16]
In the November general election, Leger Fernandez defeated Republican nominee Alexis Johnson. She assumed office on January 3, 2021.[17][18]
Tenure
Committee assignments
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Committee on Education and Labor[19]
- Committee on Rules
- Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process (Ranking Member)
Caucus membership
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chair of Communications
- Democratic Women’s Caucus, Vice Chair
- National Labs Caucus, Co-Chair
- Rural Broadband Caucus, Co-Chair
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Diabetes Caucus
- Labor Caucus
- LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus
- Mental Health Caucus
- National Heritage Area Caucus
- Native American Caucus
- PFAS Caucus
- Pro-Choice Caucus
- Rural Caucus
- Ski Caucus
Political positions
Leger Fernandez has advocated a “New Mexico Green New Deal“, Medicare for All, a transition from fracking to green energy, and a ban on the sale of military-style semi-automatic rifles.[22] She supported comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.[23] During the 117th Congress, she voted with President Joe Biden’s stated position 100% of the time, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.[24]
Personal life
Leger Fernandez and her ex-husband, Luis Fernandez, have three sons.[25]
See also
- List of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States Congress
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
References
- ^ Baker, Damare (November 30, 2020). “Rep.-elect Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.-03)”. The Hill. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ “Teresa Leger Fernandez”. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
- ^ “New Mexico Primary Election Results: Third Congressional District”. The New York Times. June 2, 2020. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 2, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Medina, Jennifer (June 3, 2020). “Teresa Leger Fernandez Beats Valerie Plame in New Mexico House Primary”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Bennett, Megan Bennett. “Santa Fe lawyer kicks off campaign for Congress”. www.abqjournal.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Grover, Hannah. “Election 2020: Teresa Leger Fernandez hopes to represent Congressional District 3”. Tallahassee Democrat. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
- ^ Gerstein, Michael (June 2, 2020). “Leger Fernandez wins Democratic primary for 3rd Congressional District seat”. Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
- ^ Grover, Hannah. “Election 2020: Teresa Leger Fernandez hopes to represent Congressional District 3”. Farmington Daily Times. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ “Meet Teresa”. Teresa 4 All. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ “Teresa Leger de Fernandez, Rebellious Lawyer”. Rebellious Lawyering Institute #RebelliousLawyering. January 7, 2015. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Last, T. S. (June 7, 2020). “Democratic nominee in CD3 inspired by state senator father”. www.abqjournal.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ “Santa Fe lawyer Leger Fernandez running for Congress”. AP NEWS. May 16, 2019. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Panetta, Grace. “LIVE UPDATES: Valerie Plame and Teresa Leger Fernandez compete in the primary for New Mexico’s third district”. Business Insider. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ “Endorsements”. Teresa 4 All. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Blaber, Mona (January 23, 2020). “Sierra Club endorses Teresa Leger Fernandez for U.S. House”. Rio Grande Chapter. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- ^ Gerstein, Michael (June 3, 2020). “With clear primary victory, Leger Fernandez eyes November”. Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- ^ “Teresa Leger Fernandez will take U.S. House District 3 seat”. KRQE News 13 Albuquerque – Santa Fe. November 4, 2020. Archived from the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
- ^ Grover, Hannah. “Leger Fernandez wins Democratic nomination for CD3, Johnson leads in Republican primary”. Farmington Daily Times. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
- ^ “Pelosi Announces Additional Committee Assignments for 117th Congress”. Speaker Nancy Pelosi. December 18, 2020. Archived from the original on January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601. “Teresa Leger Fernandez (New Mexico (NM)), 118th Congress Profile”. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ “Committees and Caucuses”. Representative Teresa Fernandez. September 22, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ “Editorial: Our picks for president, Congress”. The Taos News. May 6, 2020. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Candidate, The (May 8, 2020). “Q&A: U.S. House District 3 Teresa Leger Fernandez”. www.abqjournal.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
- ^ Bycoffe, Aaron; Wiederkehr, Anna (April 22, 2021). “Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?”. FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ^ “Teresa Leger Fernandez For NM US Congress In District Three”. Retake Our Democracy. May 23, 2020. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
External links
- Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez official U.S. House website
- Campaign website
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
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