Press Releases

SANTA FE — Today Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez filed to run for reelection to Congress in New Mexico’s Third Congressional District.

Rep. Leger Fernandez’s campaign filed over 4,500 signatures - more than three times the 1,376 signatures required to qualify for the ballot - gathered in just over a month from each of the district’s 18 counties.

“Thank you to our volunteers who are the lifeblood of our community-based reelection campaign” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez. “Gathering the signatures was made easier by the outpouring of support from voters in every county. From Farmington to Santa Fe, Raton to Roswell, and our sovereign tribal nations, including the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and our beloved Pueblos. Muchisimas Gracias to every volunteer who talked to their neighbors and to every voter who signed the nominating petitions. The support and trust of our communities energizes and inspires me as we launch into this campaign.”

Born and raised in Las Vegas, NM, Teresa has spent her career working on behalf of New Mexico’s communities, helping build critical infrastructure and small businesses, promoting tribal sovereignty, and advancing voting rights. A daughter of rural New Mexico, in Congress she champions New Mexico’s children and families, small businesses, and tribal and rural communities - so that all New Mexicans can thrive.

SANTA FE — Today Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez’s campaign for Congress announced the endorsement of CHC BOLD PAC.

BOLD PAC Chairman Ruben Gallego said of the endorsement “The daughter of bilingual education champions, and a proud graduate of Head Start, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez wants our communities not just to survive, but thrive. From championing funding Title I schools and minority serving institutions on the committee on Education and Labor, to advocating for rural infrastructure, and addressing environmental injustice, Rep. Leger Fernandez is a steadfast advocate for her diverse district and Latinos across the country. BOLD PAC looks forward to Rep. Leger Fernandez's re-election campaign and her continued leadership on behalf of New Mexico's third Congressional district.”

“BOLD was critical to my first election, and I am proud to stand beside them as we work to build greater representation for Latino communities across the country. Every day we are working to deliver para la gente - lowering costs for working families, building rural infrastructure, investing in education and small businesses, addressing injustice and inequity everywhere, and ensuring that our immigrant families are honored and respected. BOLD’s endorsement will help me work to ensure that all of our communities can thrive” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez.

BOLD PAC joins Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Ben Ray Lujan, Senator Martin Heinrich, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in endorsing the Representative’s reelection campaign to continue to represent New Mexico in Congress.

SANTA FE — Today Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez’s campaign for Congress announced its strongest fundraising quarter to date in her reelection to Congress, raising over $400,000 in the fourth quarter, and entering 2022 with over $500,000 cash on hand. Over two-thirds of contributions the Congresswoman’s campaign received came from supporters in New Mexico.

“Here in New Mexico, we know it’s all about comunidad. I am proud that our campaign community continues to grow, and am especially proud that more than two thirds of our support this quarter is from New Mexico community members, from corner to corner of our district - from Farmington and Gallup, to Hobbs and Roswell, and everywhere in between. Our campaign has always been and will continue to be New Mexico-powered. This means our supporters are also talking to their familia, to their neighbors and helping spread our message across the state. In Congress, I will continue to be a passionate and representative voice for our communities - with the needs and values of our state as my guide - so we can keep delivering for New Mexico.”

The House Democratic Steering Committee selected Representative-elect Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03) to serve on the House Natural Resources Committee. The Steering Committee’s selection will now go to the Democratic Caucus for approval. Congresswoman-Elect Leger Fernandez released the following statement on the nomination:

“Our country must be bold and courageous in the battle against climate change and toward environmental justice for low-income and underserved minority communities. The work of the Natural Resources Committee will be crucial to pass sustainable solutions and protect our water, air, and this beautiful place we call home. Our public lands belong to our future generations and it is our responsibility to preserve it for them.

“New Mexicans share a deep respect for our land. We invest in what we believe, and I’ll advocate for increased investments in renewable energy and in our Native American communities. I’ll seek to safeguard the water flowing from our mountains, cascading along our streams and providing life along our waterways. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and join the fight to undo four years worth of toxic policies.”

Congresswoman-Elect Teresa Leger Fernandez is a life-long advocate for our environment and previously served as Commissioner of Las Acequias de Chupadero where she successfully fought for water rights. She has represented Native American Tribes and fought to preserve cultural and historical sites on our public lands.

The House Natural Resources Committee has broad jurisdiction over an array of issues that particularly affect New Mexico, including water, public lands and national parks, Tribes, renewable energy development, public health and environmental protections, and the outdoor recreation economy.

The House Democratic Steering Committee selected Representative-elect Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03) to serve on the House Education and Labor Committee. The Congresswoman-elect was also nominated to serve on the House Natural Resources Committee. Both selections will now go to the Democratic Caucus for approval. Congresswoman-Elect Leger Fernandez released the following statement on the nomination:

“The Trump administration’s bungled COVID-19 response left New Mexico’s working families behind, overlooked small business owners, and drove us into an economic crisis. But as a nation, we can come together to rebuild a strong, inclusive economy. I believe in that innovative spirit and will work tirelessly to protect families, students, and workers from stagnant wages and the rising costs of living. This committee touches so much of what we know we need in New Mexico and across our country: a $15 minimum wage, student debt reform, early childhood education, workforce development, strong worker and labor protections, and health care for all.  We invest in what we believe in, and I believe in our students and their future. I believe access to quality education can transform New Mexico and help us reimagine an American Dream where students from Raton to Rio Rancho can climb the ladder of opportunity and possibility to unlock their full potential.

“My parents, Manuelita de Atocha (Mela) Lucero Leger and Ray Leger, were educators, union members, and pioneers in bilingual education. Their spirit is alive and vibrant in me as I contemplate the good and hard work ahead.”