Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Endorses Deb Haaland

Haaland and Huerta marched for workers at the 32nd Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Celebration

Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, after Deb Haaland and Dolores Huerta marched for workers in the 32nd Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Celebration, Huerta announced her endorsement of Deb Haaland to be New Mexico’s next governor. This endorsement continues a long tradition of Huerta supporting candidates who lead with integrity and put working families first. 

“Deb Haaland is a true public servant who always places the needs of working people first. She stands strong in the face of adversity and continues to be on the front lines fighting for justice. New Mexico needs a proven leader with the courage to fight for all New Mexicans. Times are tough but we will continue to thrive alongside leaders like Deb Haaland whose work lets us remain hopeful and dedicated to creating a more fair and just New Mexico.” said Dolores Huerta, renowned labor, civil rights leader, President of the Dolores Huerta  Foundation, co-founder of the United Farm Workers.

“Dolores Huerta’s history of standing up for working families and lifting up communities that haven’t had a voice has always inspired me,” said Haaland, candidate for New Mexico governor. “I’m honored to have her trust as a leader, and will work everyday to continue her legacy and follow in her footsteps fighting for dignity and respect for all people.” 

Haaland and Huerta marched with hundreds of people in Albuquerque to support workers and continue a longstanding tradition of seeking justice for those who have been exploited and underserved. The 32nd Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Celebration is the only celebration of its kind in the country that honors both great civil rights leaders. 

Today, Haaland also rallied to protect Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits, and other federal programs that New Mexicans rely on during Indivisible’s “Hands Off! Albuquerque Fights Back” rally in Civic Plaza. Thousands of New Mexicans joined the national mass mobilization day to demand a stop to the chaos coming from Trump and his billionaire allies. 

The strong start to Haaland’s campaign has drawn endorsements from Senator Ben Ray Luján, Representatives Teresa Leger Fernandez, Melanie Stansbury, and Gabe Vasquez, and more than 80 local leaders and organizations.