Biography

Melanie Ann Stansbury, born on January 31, 1979, in Farmington, New Mexico, is a Democratic U.S. Representative serving New Mexico's 1st Congressional District since June 14, 2021. Raised in Albuquerque, she has dedicated her career to addressing critical issues such as water security, poverty, and climate change. Before her tenure in Congress, Stansbury served in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021, representing the 28th district.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology and Natural Science from Saint Mary's College of California
• Master of Science in Development Sociology from Cornell University

Political Experience

• U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2021 to represent New Mexico's 1st Congressional District.
• New Mexico House of Representatives: Served as the representative for the 28th district from 2019 to 2021.

Professional Experience

• Science Educator and Researcher: Worked on land and water issues across New Mexico.
• Policy Advisor: Served on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Committee Assignments:

  • House Committee on Natural Resources: Serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
  • House Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Appointed to this high-profile committee in January 2023.

• Legislative Initiatives:

  • Introduced and supported legislation focusing on renewable energy, water security, and environmental justice.
  • Secured over $1 billion in federal grant funding for New Mexico's 1st District to build critical infrastructure and stimulate economic development.

• Leadership Roles:

  • Announced candidacy for the highest Democratic seat in the House Committee on Natural Resources in December 2024, aiming to become the first woman to serve as either Chair or Ranking Member of the Committee.

Stansbury's work reflects her commitment to addressing climate change, promoting economic development, and ensuring the well-being of New Mexico's communities.