An early contender emerges for Haaland's seat

Many politicians want to succeed Congresswoman Deb Haaland. Few are willing to speak openly of their ambition at this early stage.

State Rep. Melanie Stansbury is an exception.

If senators confirm Haaland as Cabinet secretary of the Interior Department, Stansbury wants to replace her in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I do intend to throw my hat in the ring,” Stansbury, D-Albuquerque, said in an interview.

Stansbury, 41, ran for public office for the first time in 2018. She made an emphatic entry, defeating seven-term Republican Rep. Jimmie Hall in District 28, Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights.

Read more: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/local_columns/an-early-contender-emerges-for-haalands-seat/article_77217590-3eea-11eb-be4f-a3ded0c5e262.html