SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Deb Haaland, who championed conservation and clean energy during her tenure as Interior secretary, is running for the Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico, the nation’s No. 2 oil production state.

The Associated Press is reporting that former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is running for the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor. When she was confirmed and sworn in as Interior secretary,

“Deb Haaland is of and for New Mexico. She’s a proven leader; she’s created New Mexico jobs, brings people together, and is getting ready to run to be New Mexico’s next governor. She and her team will be focused on listening and solutions that fit the needs of our communities," Forrester said.

Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo and the nation’s first Native American cabinet secretary under President Joe Biden, could be the first Native American woman to serve as governor of any state

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is expected to run for governor of New Mexico, a spokesperson confirmed to KOB 4.