NEA – NM: Proud to Stand With Haaland as Recommended Candidate for Governor

Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, the National Education Association – NM, announced their support of Deb Haaland to be the next governor of New Mexico. NEA-NM represents thousands of educators and education professionals across the state and is a leading voice in advocating for strong public schools, fair wages, and safe working conditions for all school employees.

“Deb Haaland understands that investing in educators and public schools is investing in the future of New Mexico. NEA-NM is very proud to stand with her as our recommended candidate for Governor,” said Bethany Jarrell, NEA-NM President. “NEA-NM is proud to recommend Deb Haaland for Governor because she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to New Mexico’s students, educators, and public schools. Her leadership reflects the values we know our communities deserve.” 

“My education plan is rooted in the belief that when we support educators, our kids will read earlier and learn skills that will help them succeed,” said Haaland. “That means respecting collective bargaining rights, ensuring educators are paid what they deserve, and making sure every school employee has the resources and protections they need to do their job. When we stand with educators and their unions, we’re building a stronger future for every student in New Mexico.”

As a member of Congress, Haaland was the lead sponsor of the Universal Childcare and Early Learning Act and delivered funding to expand high speed internet in rural and underserved areas of New Mexico. As Secretary of the Interior, she worked to ensure all kids had opportunities to learn outdoors and launched the American Climate Corps, a jobs program that trained the next generation for jobs of the future. Haaland is a proud product of public schools – attending 13 schools as a military kid before graduating from Albuquerque High School – and believes that all New Mexicans deserve access to a quality public education and opportunities to earn good pay in New Mexico when they are grown. 

NEA – NM joins workers across New Mexico who have expressed their support for Haaland including: Council 18 AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, CWA Local 7076, and the Committee of Interns and Residents of the Service Employees International Union. 

Throughout her campaign, Haaland has traveled to all 33 counties in New Mexico, meeting directly with parents, students, educators, and families to hear their concerns and share her vision for creating an education plan that works for New Mexico. Strengthening New Mexico’s public schools and improving education for all New Mexicans is a top priority for Haaland.