Yvette Herrell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is making history as the 3rd Native woman to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Herrell, a Republican, won election in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District on November 3, 2020. She ousted Xochitl Torres Small, the Democrat incumbent, with 54 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State.
“It’s the honor of my life to be elected to serve #NM02,” Herrell wrote on social media on Tuesday night. “My commitment to each citizen of our district is that I will serve each of them with integrity as we work together to rebuild our economy and protect the values that make America great!”
Herrell lost to Torres Small in 2018 in a district that is heavily competitive. Cook Political Report rated the seat a “Democratic Toss Up” in the run-up to the election.
With Herrell’s victory, New Mexico bears the unique distinction of having 2 out of 3 Congressional seats held by Native women. Deb Haaland, who won re-election in the 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, hails from the Pueblo of Laguna.
It’s the honor of my life to be elected to serve #NM02. My commitment to each citizen of our district is that I will serve each of them with integrity as we work together to rebuild our economy and protect the values that make America great! #NMPOL pic.twitter.com/8LTYnJvncu
— Yvette Herrell (@Yvette4congress) November 4, 2020
Congrats @Yvette4congress!
NRCC Chairman @tomemmer's statement on #NM02 pic.twitter.com/K2vmqxgMJC
— NRCC (@NRCC) November 4, 2020