Friend, I grew up in a military family, so we moved around a lot. But no matter where we lived, we were always outdoors, running through the desert with my cousins, fishing with my dad, or walking the cornfields with my grandfather. Back then, I never imagined that those moments would shape my path, let alone lead me to run for governor of New Mexico.

From my great-grandmother, mother, and many before them, I’m blessed to come from generations of Pueblo women who taught me what it means to be fierce and resilient — and I’ve carried these values with me my entire life. 

My parents didn’t graduate from college, but they believed deeply in giving back and helping others. They taught me that where you come from matters, and that service is about showing up for people. It’s why I tell kids not to forget their roots, and why I believe everyone, no matter their background, has something to offer their community.

I carried those values when I started working at my local bakery right after high school; when I volunteered at my child’s preschool to help reduce the cost of tuition; and when I started my own small business producing and canning homemade salsa.

I carried them with me when I was a single mom living paycheck to paycheck, relying on food stamps and WIC to help keep my child fed and healthy.

And I carried those values with me as one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and then as the first Native Secretary of the Interior.

To this day, those values of ferocity and resilience fuel my fight to advocate for working families and deliver progress for all New Mexicans.

But here’s the thing: The governor’s seat has a history of switching parties every eight years, and GOP donors are already preparing to spend millions to defeat me. If we're going to buck the trend, I need you on my grassroots team, Friend.

So please, will you contribute $5 or more today to help me become our next governor and create a better future for all New Mexicans?

Be fierce, 

Deb