Debbie Rodella
Debbie Rodella | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 41st district | |
| In office 1993–2018 | |
| Succeeded by | Susan K. Herrera |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 28, 1961 Española, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Thomas Rodella |
| Education | Northern New Mexico Community College (AS) |
Debbie A. Rodella (born November 28, 1961)[1] is an American politician who served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1993 to 2018. A Democrat, she represented Legislative District 41 located in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos Counties.[2] In 2018, she was defeated for renomination in the Democratic primary by Susan K. Herrera.
Early life and education
[edit]A native and lifelong resident of Española, New Mexico, Rodella received her associate degree from Northern New Mexico Community College and attended the College of Santa Fe.
Career
[edit]She worked as a materials science technician and as a secretary.[1] Rodella is married to Thomas Rodella, the former sheriff of Rio Arriba County who was removed from office after his federal felony convictions in September 2014 on civil rights charges.[3] They have two children.[1]
New Mexico House of Representatives
[edit]Rodella was first elected to the 70-seat New Mexico House of Representatives in 1992. Running unopposed in both primary and general elections since 2006, Rodella was re-elected to a twelfth consecutive two-year term in November 2014.[4] Rodella served as the chair of the House Business & Industry Committee, Interim Chair of the Economic and Rural Development Committee, and a member of both the Voters & Elections and the Rules & Order of Business Committees.[2] In 2013, Rodella voted with Republicans to block a same-sex marriage bill in committee,[5] and against a bill (which passed) to reduce the penalties for the possession of marijuana.[6] Rep. Rodella has been accused of sharing funds contributed to her re-election campaigns with her husband, to use in his own races for political office.[7][8][9]
In the 2018 Democratic primary, Rodella ran for re-election but lost to Susan K. Herrera.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Debbie Rodella's Biography". Project Vote Smart. 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
- ^ a b "Representative Debbie A. Rodella - (D-41)". New Mexico Legislature. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
- ^ Stiny, Andy (September 26, 2014). "Rio Arriba Sheriff Tommy Rodella found guilty on both counts". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
- ^ Debbie Rodella Election Results Ballotpedia.org
- ^ Simonich, Milan (February 21, 2013). "NM House committee defeats gay marriage proposal". El Paso Times. Archived from the original on November 21, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
- ^ Terrell, Steve "House passes bill that makes marijuana penalties in New Mexico less harsh" Las Cruces Sun-News, March 11, 2013
- ^ Jones, Jeff (August 5, 2007). "Wife Filled Rodella Coffers". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
- ^ Salazar, Martin (June 7, 2006). "Rodellas Appear To Win in Rio Arriba". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
- ^ Terrell, Steve (August 16, 2014). "Rodella's political resilience could falter after FBI arrest". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
- ^ 'Longtime lawmaker Rodella unseated by progressive challenger,' Santa Fe New Mexican Sarah Halasz Graham, June 5, 2018