FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Dyrcz
January 14, 2026 505-554-8679

Albuquerque – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Whitney Holland and Candidate for Governor of New Mexico Deb Haaland released the following statements:

“Throughout our union’s written questionnaire process, public-facing forums with rank-and-file educators, and a formal endorsement interview, Deb Haaland consistently and compassionately articulated her vision for the future of public education in New Mexico, from early education through higher education or career.
“We have made great progress in the public education space over the last few years, and our intentional conversations with candidates for governor presented our union with the opportunity to pursue a future where educational policy decisions would be directly informed by students, parents, community needs, and importantly, the tens-of-thousands of hard working professional educators in New Mexico.

“Deb also knows that strong, respected professionals help create strong schools and universities, and strong educator unions help ensure professionals across New Mexico have the ability and freedom to best advocate for their students and their profession.

“From now until election day, our union will be fierce advocates for Deb Haaland as she campaigns for Governor, shares her educational platform, and energizes New Mexicans to see and share in the vision she has for our State,” said Holland.

“Every step in a child’s education should open doors for them – from pre-k to grade school to whatever they decide to do after. Our kids can’t do that alone though, they need stability at home, and their educators should feel supported to do the jobs they need to do. That’s why I am so honored to have the support of AFT NM for my campaign and their support of this plan,” said Haaland.

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AFT NM’s Executive Committee, based written questionnaire responses, campaign platforms, member forums, and upon the recommendation of AFT NM’s Committee on Political Education, formally issues endorsements in federal, legislative, and state races.

Deb Haaland’s Public Education Platform can be accessed at debhaaland.com/priorities.