Teresa Leger Fernandez

Teresa Leger Fernandez is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District. Born on July 1, 1959, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, she is a 17th-generation New Mexican and was part of the state’s first Head Start class. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1987. Before her election to Congress, Leger Fernandez spent over 30 years as a public interest attorney and founder of Leger Law & Strategy, specializing in tribal advocacy, civil rights, and community development. She also served as a White House Fellow during the Clinton administration and as Vice Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation under President Obama. Leger Fernandez was first elected to Congress in 2020, becoming the first Latina and woman of color to represent her district. During her legal career, she helped secure nearly $1 billion for New Mexico infrastructure, including schools and rural health clinics. In the House, she has held leadership roles such as Ranking Member of the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee and Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus. Her work in Washington is characterized by a focus on rural infrastructure, the protection of cultural heritage, and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Representative Leger Fernandez supports comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for undocumented residents and protections for DACA recipients, while also advocating for enhanced border security through technology and staffing. In healthcare, she favors expanding access to affordable coverage, strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, and increasing funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment. She is a proponent of environmental stewardship and the protection of public lands and water rights. Her economic platform emphasizes investment in rural infrastructure, such as broadband and clean energy, to foster sustainable local economies. Additionally, she is a strong advocate for tribal sovereignty and the fulfillment of federal trust responsibilities to Native American nations.