Biography
Teresa Leger Fernández, born on July 1, 1959, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a 17th-generation New Mexican and a member of the Democratic Party. She has represented New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 3, 2021.
Before her congressional tenure, Leger Fernández was an attorney and advocate, focusing on community development, tribal advocacy, civil rights, and social justice. She founded Leger Law and Strategy, LLC, and served as a White House Fellow during the Clinton administration, later becoming Vice Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation under President Obama.
In Congress, she serves on the House Rules Committee and the House Committee on Natural Resources, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. She also chairs the Democratic Women's Caucus and co-chairs the National Labs Caucus and the Rural Broadband Caucus.
Leger Fernández has been instrumental in securing significant investments for New Mexico, including $3.95 billion through the Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act to compensate victims of the state's largest wildfire. She is a breast cancer survivor and has introduced legislation like the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act to address substance use on college campuses.
Education
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Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies, Yale University
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Graduate Studies in Economic Development and Planning, University of Texas at Austin
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Juris Doctor, Stanford University Law School
Political Experience
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U.S. Representative, New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District
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White House Fellow, focusing on housing issues during the Clinton administration
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Vice Chair, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation under President Obama
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Founder and Counsel, Leger Law and Strategy, LLC
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Partner/Managing Partner, Nordhaus Law Firm, specializing in representing Native American sovereign entities
Leger Fernández's career reflects a deep commitment to public service, advocacy for tribal sovereignty, and the promotion of social justice and community development.
