Name Debbie Rodella Political party Democratic Party | Spouse Thomas Rodella | |
Born November 28, 1961 (age 62)
Espanola, New Mexico ( 1961-11-28 ) Residence Espanola, New Mexico, United States | ||
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Debbie A. Rodella (born November 28, 1961) is a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives in which she has served since 1993. A Democrat, she is a native and lifelong resident of Espanola, New Mexico, and represents Legislative District 41 located in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos Counties.
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Personal life and education
Rodella received her associate degree from Northern New Mexico Community College and went to the College of Santa Fe. She worked as a materials science technician and as a secretary. 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 multiple civil rights charges. They have two children.
Legislative career
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. Rodella serves 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. In 2013, Rodella voted with Republicans to block a same-sex marriage bill in committee, and against a bill (which passed) to reduce the penalties for the possession of marijuana. 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.