By Kevin Hendricks
Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and current New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland recently met with Land Grant communities in the East Mountains to discuss the protection of land rights, water and cultural traditions.
During the meeting, Haaland stressed her commitment to safeguarding vital funding for rural infrastructure, wildfire resources, and programs supporting rural communities, especially in light of the Trump Administration’s actions and potential funding threats from reconciliation packages.
“New Mexico is full of beautiful traditions and communities who care deeply about the future we’re leaving for generations to come,” Haaland said. “With President Trump undoing protections for lands and waters, killing jobs, and taking away important programs we rely on, it will be more important for us to stand together. I will stand with all of our communities as governor.”
The New Mexico Land Grant Council shared insights into key federal and state programs that assist land grants, and Haaland pledged to protect essential resources relied upon by these communities. Land Grant leaders expressed strong support following the meeting.
“As President of the Land Grant, sitting down with Deb as a candidate for Governor shows that our communities and our issues are at the top of mind for her,” JJ Herrera, President of the Cañon de Carnué Land Grant in Tijeras, said. “Our communities fight everyday for resources, we are hopeful after today’s visit she will fight for us as she continues her run for Governor.”
Haaland has a history of supporting rural communities.
She has signed a Public Land Order to protect sacred and sensitive lands in the Placitas area, closing the land to new mining claims, mineral sales and oil and gas leases for 50 years. Haaland also announced a $125 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to restore the nation’s lands and waters, which includes work on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and has been visiting Land Grant communities in New Mexico
According to Haaland’s campaign, the tour is part of Haaland’s commitment to meet communities where they are and uplift their voices in New Mexico’s future. Haaland launched her campaign for governor with a 19-stop tour to communities across New Mexico, including Bernalillo.
“The land grants of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains had the pleasure of meeting with Deb Haaland. We had the opportunity to voice our concerns and priorities that the land grants would like to see in her administration if she is elected as Governor,” Chilili Land Grant President Juan Sanchez said. “We greatly appreciate her taking time to visit with the land grant leaders and community members.”