Debbie Rodella | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New MexicoHouseofRepresentatives from the 41st district | |
| In office 1993–2018 | |
| Succeeded by | Susan K. Herrera |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 28,1961 Española,New Mexico,U.S. |
| Political 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.
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.
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]
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]