In November 2018, Women of Color magazine was proud to feature Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids when they were elected as the first two Native American women to serve in the 116th Congress.

In 2020, Congresswomen Haaland and Davids were reelected, and if Rep. Haaland joins the incoming administration as the next secretary of the Department of Interior, she will make history as the first Native American to oversee America's land, water, wildlife, and energy resources.

“A voice like mine has never been a Cabinet secretary or at the head of the Department of Interior," Haaland told KOB 4, a television station in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "I’m incredibly honored to accept President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination for Secretary of the Interior. As our country faces the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice, the Interior has a role and I will be a partner in addressing these challenges by protecting our public lands and moving our country towards a clean energy future," Haaland said.

During her career, Halland earned degrees from the University of New Mexico and UNM Law School, ran her own small business, and advocated for the Laguna Development Corporation to create policies and commitments to earth-friendly business practices.

According to her congressional biography, she is a 35th generation New Mexican who is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, and also has Jemez Pueblo heritage.

After running for New Mexico Lieutenant Governor in 2014, Haaland became the first Native American woman to be elected to lead a state party.