FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 3, 2026
Santa Fe, NM—Today, Animal Protection Voters (APV) announced endorsement of Deb Haaland for New Mexico Governor in the 2026 election.
Haaland, who formerly served in Congress and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is by far the most experienced candidate in the race. As Secretary, Haaland oversaw the conservation and use of roughly 500 million acres of federal lands, national parks, and wildlife refuges.
“New Mexicans care about animal protection issues and seek out policymakers who value the role animals play in our lives. We are delighted to endorse Deb Haaland for Governor of New Mexico based on her experience and proven track record on pro-animal policies. Haaland is uniquely qualified and committed to improving outcomes for animals, families, and communities in our state,” said Stacy Sutton Kerby, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Animal Protection Voters.
Haaland’s Record on Animal Protection Policy
Before being appointed to Secretary of the Interior in 2021, Haaland served as U.S. Representative for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District. While in Congress, she co-sponsored the PACT Act (H.R. 724—Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act passed in 2019), which made animal crushing, and videos featuring this extreme form of animal cruelty, a federal crime.
Haaland also co-sponsored the Big Cat Public Safety Act (passed in 2022). The BCPSA revolutionized the legal landscape in the U.S. for big cats such as tigers, lions, and cheetahs, by prohibiting commercial practices that incentivize abusing and trafficking the animals.
As Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests & Public Lands (2019-2021), Haaland championed numerous key initiatives, including the Migratory Bird Protection Act, the Polar Bear Cub Survival Act, and the Preventing Future Pandemics Act targeting wildlife trafficking. Then, as the 54th U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2021 to 2025), she oversaw the restoration of Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves.
Haaland’s Comments on the Humane Treatment of All Animals
Haaland, who recently rescued a puppy found in a parking lot, told APV that as Governor, she will work to make New Mexico a state that protects and supports all animals. The pup, who she named Zia after the iconic Zia sun, has made appearances on the campaign trail. Haaland explained in a recent campaign email that she chose the name because the sacred symbol “reflects something special about New Mexico—the way we look out for one another and care for our communities.”
In a separate communication, Haaland said, “The balance of nature and protection of our traditions in New Mexico relies on protecting our animal relatives. Whether it’s protecting endangered species or keeping habitats whole, I carry that value and strengthen the rights of animals in every position I serve in. I am honored to have the support of Animal Protection Voters New Mexico and will continue to protect the rights of animals by promoting the humane treatment of all animals.”
Candidate Haaland to Make Campaign Stop in Santa Fe on April 11th
Haaland and her newly adopted puppy Zia are planning on making a campaign stop to meet voters on April 11th from 12 Noon – 3 PM at an APV event in Santa Fe. For more information about the event, please contact Stacy Sutton Kerby at stacy@apvnm.org
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ABOUT ANIMAL PROTECTION VOTERS:
Founded in 2002, Animal Protection Voters is the leading non-profit legislative and political advocacy organization for animal protection in New Mexico. Powered by grassroots supporters, its mission is to:
· Actively promote and support animal-friendly legislation at the local, state and federal levels;
· Build an effective political voice for animal advocacy in New Mexico; and
· Hold New Mexico’s elected officials accountable on animal issues.
Endorsements are based on candidates’ qualifications and positions on animal protection issues. Endorsements are not based on party affiliation.
Media contact:
Stacy Sutton Kerby, Chief Government Affairs Officer
Animal Protection Voters
stacy@apvnm.org
505-270-1787
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