In the latest news surrounding potential appointments by President-elect Donald Trump to his administration, at least two prominent New Mexico figures, former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell and New Mexico Public Education Commissioner Sharon Clahchischilliage, are reportedly being considered by their supporters for major roles in a prospective Trump administration. Herrell, who represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, is seen by many as a strong contender for Secretary of the Interior, while Clahchischilliage has been floated as a possible director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Herrell, a staunch conservative and ardent Trump supporter, served one term in Congress after winning a hotly contested race in 2020 against an incumbent Democrat. Being Cherokee, she became the first Native American woman elected to Congress. Her campaign centered on issues such as border security, Second Amendment rights, and economic development for rural New Mexico. Despite narrowly losing her reelection bid in 2022, Herrell has remained a vocal figure in the state’s political landscape.
During her time in Congress, she championed policies that aligned with the Trump administration’s priorities, including reducing regulatory red tape on public lands, advocating for the oil and gas industry, and strengthening U.S. energy independence. Herrell’s support base believes her commitment to these issues makes her a strong fit to lead the Department of the Interior, which oversees vast swathes of public lands and plays a key role in energy policy. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) manages approximately 34.72% of New Mexico’s total land area, equating to about 27 million acres out of the state’s 77.8 million acres.
Meanwhile, Sharon Clahchischilliage, a member of the Navajo Nation and the current New Mexico Public Education Commissioner, has garnered attention as a potential pick for director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Clahchischilliage has an extensive record of public service, including time as a state legislator where she focused on education, economic development, and tribal sovereignty.
Throughout her career, she has consistently advocated for policies that empower Native American communities, including measures to enhance educational opportunities and improve healthcare access. Clahchischilliage’s relationship with Trump dates back to her tenure as a Republican state representative, where she supported his administration’s initiatives on tribal affairs and sought to collaborate on improving federal-tribal relations.
Both Herrell and Clahchischilliage have shown unwavering loyalty to the former president, championing his policies and defending his record. Their potential appointments reflect Trump’s continued influence in Republican politics and underscore New Mexico’s role in shaping his prospective administration’s leadership. As speculation grows, both figures remain key players to watch in any future Trump administration announcements.
It is unclear what other New Mexicans could be considered to serve in Trump’s second administration. However, there may be other folks from the Land of Enchantment considered. Comment below which New Mexicans you would like to see join the Trump administration.
Trump ally Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has launched a page on his website for Americans to nominate potential contenders to Trump’s cabinet called “Nominees for the People.” Citizens can nominate their favorite names to join the 45th and 47th President’s new administration.
So sorry Yvette lost to the radical Vasquez. It would be great, though if Trump would choose Herrell for Secretary of State.
Yvette would make a great ambassador to Mexico or Head of the Border Patrol.
I agree, the fact that the NM 2nd District sent Comrade Vasquez back to Congress is an embarrassment. Be smarter New Mexico.
Interesting… I wish both well. Having access at that level is a rare blessing. The question is, how will this improve or affect New Mexico in a meaningful way?
It is my hope and prayer that both will keep God at the forefront of all decisions they may be involved in for this country and this state. Both can be ambassadors for New Mexico in Wash., D.C. They should highlight our natural resources, and our people. Fix our education and economic development situations and prove to the stubborn New Mexican that we are far better than the democrat leaders have seen in us.
It is time to rise above New Mexico and Do Better!!!
Peace, Rev. Rico
I so agree with you, Rev. It’s time to wakeup the rest of New Mexico, to address the continuous issues of poverty, mostly cause by the poverty consciousness, to seal.the border, to imprison criminals and to return all non criminal illegals to their home country. Let’s start legal processes to help the latter.
We need a boosting economy in New Mexico and get rid of pedophile rings, sex trafficking, domestic violence, Marijuana, alcohol, Fentanyl, etc.
I so agree with you, Rev. It’s time to wakeup the rest of New Mexico, to address the continuous issues of poverty, mostly cause by the poverty consciousness, to seal.the border, to imprison criminals and to return all non criminal illegals to their home country. Let’s start legal processes to help the latter.
We need a boosting economy in New Mexico and get rid of pedophile rings, sex trafficking, domestic violence, Marijuana, alcohol, Fentanyl, etc.
Let’s lower the gas prices by opening the pipelines from Alaska that will provide the US with fuel. Let’s develop more efficient solar cars, solar panels, etc
and make it affordable for all. And, at last, Let’s prosecute the far left criminals, such as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, George Soros, and all others on this list that we all know being part of the anti- freedom clan.
Both of these New Mexicans would make valuable assets in the new Trump Administration.
Yes!
because someone is a republican is not a reason to think they should be part of Trumps plan. Evette did not get many conservative votes because of actions in her past. Some conservatives felt they could not support her so they just left her bubble blank. I voted for her because Gabe is very bad for NM. We need better conservatives to step up. We do not need folks that do what they have to, to get along. A wilting flower is a no go. We need folks that like to stir the pot to help NM and the USA.
Mike, what was so bad about Yvette’s past that people didn’t vote for her? Is it worse than Gabe avoiding a DUI charge or threatening to murder someone and burying them in the desert?
I think she did not win because of gerrymandering brought about by the Democrats that shifted the districts lines. Just my two cents.
When one door closes, two or more open. Maybe God’s plan for them is better utilized in the Trump administration. Let’s hope this comes to fruition, they are smart, intelligent individuals that will bring hope in changing the political climate in New Mexico… I am supporting Yvette and Sharon for their positions. You go Ladies
As to bringing up other New Mexicans who could be good for USA and Trump I will put up Couy Griffin and Larry Lead Marker.
Yes! I agree.
They have my vote! Excellent American first Patriot ls!
Some very good choices!
I’ve been impressed by Professor David Clements, who rejected wokeness at NMSU and has questioned the integrity of New Mexico elections–due to rigged voting machines, no voter id requirement, fake mail-in ballots, corruption of our state officials, etc.
He and his wife have been steadfast in questioning the fake MSM news narrative. He is repeatedly called an “election denier” and “conspiracy theorist.”
Perhaps he could serve in President Trump’s administration in some capacity of securing future state and federal elections, so that those veterans who died in support of our Republic, to give us the right to vote, would not have died in vain.
BTW, I firmly believe New Mexico voted red in 2024 and that my vote (along with numerous other Republican votes) were switched to democrat without our knowing.
Both Ladies would be infinitely better at these jobs than the LibTard idiots now occupying the space. These gals are so intelligent and ‘real’ compared to Biden’s hand-picked Marxists.
I am so excited that both may have a chance. They are wonderful people that care about our state and country. Good luck, Sharon and Yuette!!!
I would think Jeff Byrd would make a great Secretary of Agriculture. His positions on the Farm Bill during his run for Congress would be a refreshing effort for Conservatives. His run for State Land Commission gave him direct access to the “customers” for that office. An environmental engineer by training, his work for Navajo Refineries and his advocacy for advancements in storage of nuclear wastes makes him a natural for Department of Energy.