div.oneoff-scrollbox.short { height:250px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } RACIAL JUSTICE .leg-hnt-responsive-columns { background-color: #f4f4f4; } font-weight: 300; As a former staffer in the U.S. Senate, I helped write and pass bi-partisan legislation in Congress. In 2020, the New Mexico State Legislature was in session from January 21 to February 20. } } It would have also required the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the price of gasoline was being manipulated. She was a consultant at Sandia National Laboratories and later served as a program examiner in the Office of Management and Budget during the Obama administration. (function() { I worked to pass legislation to help address childhood hunger and have sponsored legislation and budget initiatives to address systemic food insecurity. When state Rep. Melanie Stansbury found herself in distant second place after the first round of voting by the Democratic Partys state central committee, she started to work the phones. I later took this work to Washington D.C., where I worked in the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Senate in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Resilience. display: block; } } Representative Stanbury has been endorsed by Representative Derrick Lente (Sandia Pueblo), Representative Andrea Romero, Representative Joanne Ferrary, the UNM College Democrats, Climate Hawks Vote, the 314 Action Fund, and several State Central Committee members. overflow-y: auto; ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } Melanie Stansbury addresses supporters at the Hotel Albuquerque. Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. } } } Having grown up in Albuquerque, I share many of the same stories and struggles as so many New Mexican families and have dedicated my career to helping build a brighter future. width: 100%; padding-top: 5px; These experiences shaped who I am and shaped my life's work. .widget-row.Independent, .widget-row.Nonpartisan, .widget-row.Constitution { } Born and raised in New Mexico, Melanie grew up in a working family in the North Valley and West Side of Albuquerque. $('.showResponses').on('click', () => { $('#candidate-connection-email-78243').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-email'); }); Stansbury graduated from Cibola High School in Albuquerque before attending St. Marys College in California and eventually getting her Masters from Cornell. a.communitylink { color:black; font-weight:bold; } As a state legislator, I have voted to give our teachers and school workers a much-deserved raise and expand educational opportunities and equity across the state. She. "We are excited to endorse Melanie Stansbury for Congress," said Richard Barish, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter. .inner_percentage.Republican { } Melanie Ann Stansbury's campaign website, "Issues," accessed April 20, 2021; KSFR, "Melanie Stansbury Seeks Democratic Party Nomination for Congressional District 1," March 29, 2021; KRQE, "Meet the candidates: CD1 Democratic nominee Rep. Melanie Stansbury," April 1, 2021; YouTube, "New Mexicans deserve a leader who fights for Social Security.," April 16, 2021;LinkedIn, "Melanie Stansbury," accessed April 20, 2021, This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House New Mexico District 1 in 2021, See also:New Mexico House of Representatives elections, 2020. PROTECTING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES a[aria-expanded=true] .fa-chevron-right { display: none; } } Gun safe storage bill inches closer to governor's desk Republicans express concern over high-profile measure Republicans express concern over high-profile measure during Fridays two-hour debate. margin-top: 1px; The Democratic Party of New Mexicos state central committee voted 103-97 on March 30 to nominate Stansbury ahead of state Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, who had a 15 percentage-point lead on Stansbury after the first round of voting, when there were eight candidates in the mix. As a legislator I have voted to expand and protect access to healthcare, including protecting pre-existing conditions, and to keep out-of-pocket health care costs down because I know personally the impact medical bills can have on working families. U.S. President | Amid debate over transgender rights, New Mexico House OKs New Mexico legislation would prohibit discrimination New Mexico legislation would prohibit discrimination in provision of public services on basis of gender, gender identity, Colorado State slices up Lobos; UNM is a 6 seed in league tourney, If it MUST be the NIT, UNM basketball has a plan, After bill was vetoed last year, lawmakers try again to boost pay of NM judges, Gun safe storage bill inches closer to governor's desk after winning Senate approval. .expand-all:hover, .collapse-all:hover {cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;} I grew up helping sew garments, operating equipment and digging trenches and bussing tables nights and weekends. max-width: 75px; And this is our story. background-color: #f9f9f9; } .leg-hnt-leadership > div { .outer_percentage { Landscapes shaped by wind, water, and sun. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. I have also sponsored legislation to help expand access to healthcare in New Mexico and protect womens health. At the time, that district was heavily Republican. That means supporting Medicare for All and working to make sure that everyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions, has access to quality health care, addressing fundamental inequalities in access to care, and expanding health care access across the state. Stansbury ( Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent New Mexico's 1st Congressional District. WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) cosponsored and voted to pass legislation to protect the marriage rights of same-sex and interracial couples and repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Born and raised in New Mexico, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury leads with determination and compassion. Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury | Representing New Mexico's First Congressional District Home NEW: Read Rep. Stansbury's 2022 Report! font-weight: bold; Our art. As a policy maker and science professional, I have spent my career working to help build a more just, sustainable, and resilient future. $('#candidate-connection-email-96960').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-email'); }); Born and raised in New Mexico, Melanie grew up in a working family in the North Valley and West Side of Albuquerque. div.survey-scrollbox { height:400px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } As a State legislator, I have championed efforts to expand access to school meal programs, obtain funding for hunger relief programs, and address systemic issues in our food system. The results have been certified.
.contact_entity {font-size: 1.5em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} .electionsectionheading { height: 50px; .widget-row.Libertarian { border-radius: 50%; In the New Mexico Legislature this session, I introduced legislation to create a legislative process review commission, which would help promote legislative transparency and evaluate opportunities to advance legislative pay, staffing, and processes. clearInterval(nTimer); She worked as a natural resources consultant with research, philanthropic, and non-profit organizations in New Mexico and with the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. } }) .leg-hnt-district-number { } pronounced MEH-luh-nee // STANZ-buh-ree. The imposition of modern democracy has led to our loss of memory about the inclusion of women & our LGBTQ relatives in nation-building. top: -1px; } You can enter your ZIP code below to send as an email, or contact one of our offices. $('.pastResponses').hide(); Elections in 2023 | padding-left: 0; margin-bottom: .75em; .leg-hnt-flex-row { (function() { ADDRESSING THE MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND RELATIVES CRISIS } Din Equality, the largest Indigenous LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the country is proud to endorse State Representative Melanie Stansbury for Congress in New Mexico. How to vote | Melanie Stansbury is a proud New Mexican who has spent her career working to protect our lands and waters and address the critical issues facing our communities. margin-top: 1em; However, much of our infrastructure is either out of date or crumbling or communities do not have equitable access, particularly in rural and Tribal communities. font-size: 12px; float:right; } Born and raised in New Mexico, I learned these values growing up in a working family in the North Valley and West Side of Albuquerque. .panel-heading:hover { cursor: pointer;} She never did anything halfway, Hewes said. position: relative; $('.hideResponses').on('click', () => { Stansbury is the representative for New Mexico 's 1 st congressional district ( view map ) and is a Democrat. box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f9d334; [17], Upon Stansbury's resignation from the state legislature, the Bernalillo County Commission appointed Pamelya Herndon as her replacement. Rep.-elect Melanie Stansbury's 24-point win Tuesday has Democrats feeling more optimistic about their fragile House majority. 100% remote. } width: 100% Who is Melanie Stansbury, our new U.S. House Representative. 95 talking about this. 2013 Coalition for Din Equality. color: white; Stansbury was born in Farmington and raised in Albuquerque, graduating from Cibola High School before accepting a full-ride scholarship to St. Marys College of California, where she studied human ecology and natural sciences. p.survey-question {font-weight:bold;} Yet for too many in our community, these fundamentals are out of reach. Berry's career in two years she has sponsored 57 bills, 14% were signed into law. margin-bottom: 1px; background-color: #ccf; event.srcElement.innerText = '[hide]'; Read my stance on the issues dear to me. .large-date { text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600;} Early in her career, she worked as a science educator in schools across the state and later for the U.S . letter-spacing: 0.03em; Since 2018, New Mexicos largest city has just two Republican lawmakers left in the Legislature. Ballot measures, Who represents me? Din teachings tell us that both sexes are important to the survival & perpetuation of our people. } mail Email. Melanie Stansbury not only supports legislation that could defund our local police departments, 4 Stansbury even supports taking away guns and tasers from police officers. She spent the last several years in Washington, D.C., working in the budget office and the U.S. Senate. Affordable, quality child care is critical to the well-being of children and their families. The last Republican to win the seat was Heather Wilson, in 2006. } } Upon returning home, I was asked to run for office. letter-spacing: .03em; margin-top: 5px; } } else { } CANNABIS REFORM display: none; } Melanie Ann Stansbury defeated incumbent Jimmie Hall in the general election for New Mexico House of Representatives District 28 on November 6, 2018. } } } else { Robert Vaillancourt advanced from the Libertarian primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 28 on June 2, 2020. }) font-weight: 200; Dozens of Albuquerque Academy students volunteered to help unload and deliver the furnishings. .inner_percentage.Green { .widget-img { Viante has been tracking Stansburys career and says in two years she has sponsored 57 bills, 14% of those were signed into law.That is very good for a freshman legislator. That is who we are. I think that the moment we are facing in our world and in our community right now really demands that we have someone representing our community who really deeply understands New Mexico and who also understands the systems of government at the federal, state and local levels, she said. } background-color: #f9d334; width: 150px; So what kind of lawmaker has she been then and now she is very much somebody who's toeing the party line. Stansbury spent the last several years in Washington, D. C. Working in the budget office and the U. S. Senate. State Rep. Melanie Stansbury will be the next person to occupy that seat, replacing Rep. Deb Haaland who resigned after she was confirmed as Secretary of Interior. Addressing hunger, housing, and income insecurity has been a lifelong and personal passion. document.getElementById('leg-hnt-toggle64033822addfc').addEventListener('click', event => { 5 She even supports emptying every federal prison in America and releasing thousands of child molesters, rapists, and murderers. Melanie Stansberry is really enjoying a meteoric rise in elective politics here in New Mexico. width: 100%; $('.hideResponses').show(); [23], She defeated State Senator Mark Moores and former Public Lands Commissioner Aubrey Dunn Jr. in the June 1 election in a landslide. Posted on July 1, 2022 by July 1, 2022 by .top_disclaimer { padding-top: 3px; background-color: #db0000; 7688) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit individuals from selling consumer fuels at excessive prices during a proclaimed energy emergency. .results_row.winner { I grew up helping with sewing projects, digging trenches, installing irrigation systems and bussing tables, nights and weekends. [24] Her margin of victory was slightly larger than President Biden's 23-point victory in the district in 2020, and significantly larger than Deb Haaland's in 2020 for the House. There were not a lot of bills that had bipartisanship and I anticipate this going into Washington, D.C., Rhiannon Samuel, executive director with legislative watch group Viante, said. Democratic congressional candidate Melanie Stansbury speaks during a campaign rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Thursday, May 27, 2021. position: absolute; Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. Because we are New Mexicans and that is what we do. In Congress, I will continue the work to get big money out of politics, for campaign finance reform at all levels, to improve our agencies and oversight, and elevate the voices of everyday New Mexicans. overflow-x: auto; My mother worked as a seamstress and heavy equipment operator, while our extended family owned a mom-and-pop landscaping and irrigation business where I worked growing up. .leg-hnt-flex-item { $('.hideResponses').hide(); I also support responsible recreational cannabis legislation that would regulate cannabis like alcohol and help to stimulate New Mexicos economy. For me, this struggle is personal and has inspired my lifes work in community building, economic development, hunger and homelessness, and water security issues. $('.showResponses').on('click', () => { div.oneoff-scrollbox.regular { height:400px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } .contact_office { margin-top: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} She is 44 years old. This is New Mexico. She won in the general election on November 8, 2022. if (typeof $ != 'undefined') { Only there for three years. justify-content: center; Voter data plays to Stansburys favor: there are about 218,000 registered Democrats in the district and 132,000 Republicans. [19]. There were no incumbents in this race. .non_result_row th { In the New Mexico House of Representatives, I brought millions of dollars to Albuquerques first responders to improve public safety and address crime. margin-bottom:16px; p.survey-question {font-weight:bold;} To read more about how we identify key votes, click here. padding-left: 0; Incumbent Melanie Ann Stansbury defeated Thomas Ray Stull and Robert Vaillancourt in the general election for New Mexico House of Representatives District 28 on November 3, 2020. @media screen and (max-width: 350px) { Health care is a human right. display: block; Before returning to New Mexico to open a consulting business before the 2018 election, Stansbury worked in Washington, D.C., for eight years. })(); Melanie Ann Stansbury did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey. .votebox-results-cell--check { .key-messages li:last-child { margin-bottom: 0px;} 1:28 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Democrat Melanie Stansbury has won election to Congress for New Mexico with a campaign closely tied to initiatives of the Biden administration. Growing up in a community where so many struggle, I know what its like to not know how youll make it to the end of the month, or put food on the table, or see a doctor. a[aria-expanded=true] .fa-chevron-right { display: none; } The bill required a 2/3 majority in the House to suspend rules and pass the bill as amended. Office: U.S. House (NM) - District 1, Democratic Track This Politician. } She currently represents New. font-weight: bold; This is New Mexico. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. position: relative; border: 1px solid #999; .votebox-results-metadata-p { a[aria-expanded=false] .fa-chevron-down { display: none; } padding: 2px; She also worked to get firefighters and other first responders better access to care for post-traumatic stress disorder, and she partnered with utilities and environmental organizations on a power grid modernization bill for New Mexico. .contact_entity {font-size: 1.0em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0.5em;} in human ecology and natural science from Saint Mary's College of California and an M.S. After being the first woman elected as State House Representative to New Mexico House District 28, I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021. } div.survey-scrollbox { height:400px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } } Since taking office in 2019, I have rolled up my sleeves and gotten to work, both in the New Mexico legislature and in Washington. Accueil; Solution; Tarif; PRO; Mon compte; France; Accueil; Solution }. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. A Democrat, Stansbury was formerly a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 28th district. .votebox { The 1st Congressional District seat is empty after former Rep. Deb Haaland resigned to serve as interior secretary. Stansbury said she had experience working at the intersection of social justice and environmental issues. How do we appreciate our surroundings? Thats always been a piece of what she was interested in.. .widget-row { Like so many in our community, our family worked hard to make ends meet and gave back to help support our community. Rep. Stansbury's 2022 in Review Services Contact Us Flag Requests Agency Help Small Businesses Internships Tours and Tickets Grant Application Art Competition Latest News color: #888; Last summer, Rep. Melanie Ann Stansbury (D-N.M.) was a little-known politician with big ambitions and a self . z-index:1; [15][16] She served as the vice chair of the Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee. display: block; } [28] She was endorsed by abortion rights group Voteprochoice. Santa Fe, NM-- On Saturday, March 27, the Sierra Club announced its endorsement of Melanie Stansbury in the special election for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District. margin: 3px 0; She said she would protect New Mexicos natural resources and work to reduce food insecurity. font-size: 12px; Melanie Ann Stansbury did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey. .widget-row.Green { And, Heart. font-weight: 300; When the Democratic Party first met to decide who was going to run, Stansbury was a distant second trialing by 15%. .leg-hnt-toggle-text { margin: 0px 10px; Friday night on, Senate Bill 2 would bring the pay of state Supreme Court justices in line with. She said Moores would not serve the people of New Mexico. break-inside: avoid-column; 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. Since being elected to the New Mexico State Legislature in 2018, I have passed fourteen pieces of legislation -- including bills to expand economic opportunity, improve education, address childhood hunger and public safety, increase access to healthcare, and support the stewardship of our land, water, and energy resources. The First Congressional District has historically been a steppingstone in New Mexico to Governor, U.S. Senate and the Presidents Cabinet. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The results have been certified. [3] The district includes most of Albuquerque and most of its suburbs. I will always make sure that women have the right to make their own reproductive health care choices and protect reproductive health care coverage. .mw-body #mw-content-text .votebox .race_header h3.votebox-header-office-name { color: #337ab7, } Early voting starts May 4 at the clerks office and expands to other polling locations May 15. background-color: white; Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. Members send $100,000 into district Biden carried by 23 points Democrat Melanie Stansbury raised almost $1.2 million in less than six weeks in her campaign for the open House seat in New. Families must be reunited and we must provide a path to citizenship. $('.pastResponses').hide(); [12] Since 2017, she has worked as a consultant and senior advisor at the Utton Transboundary Resources Center of the University of New Mexico. [29], Stansbury lives in Albuquerque. .widget-row.value-only { padding-bottom: 7px; Her current term ends on January 3, 2025. } @media (max-width:600px) { The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. } column-width: 175px; Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. padding-bottom: 3px; As the first woman to represent my legislative district, I am deeply committed to advancing women in leadership, gender equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights and opportunities. .widget-row.Democratic { .clearfix { U.S. Congress | I am Melanie Stansbury and I grew up right here in Albuquerque and now Stansbury is heading to the U. S. Congress. But eventually she overtook Antoinette Sedillo Lopez by 3 points. display: table; padding: 2px 0; SANTA FE, N.M. - Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) addressed a Joint Session of the New Mexico State Legislature at the Roundhouse. }) a.communitylink { color:black; font-weight:bold; } p.survey-response {margin-left:10px;} Melanie Ann Stansbury advanced from the Democratic primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 28 on June 5, 2018. text-align: center; As someone who grew up in a working family in Albuquerque, Melanie knows what it means to struggle to make ends meet and knows the urgency of bringing real solutions to help our families. Our food. The task force has made impressive progress in its work so far, but much work remains. State Rep. Melanie Stansbury of Albuquerque is the Democratic candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat. .mw-body #mw-content-text th.votebox-results-cell--text { var nTimer = setInterval(function() { To get this virus under control, we must continue to follow the guidance of health care professionals and the science, and ensure that vaccine distribution is done quickly and equitably. If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you. }) 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. .large-date { text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600;} Rivers that flow from sacred mountains to desert plains. Celerah Hewes, who has been friends with Stansbury since fourth grade, said her friends work ethic separated her from her peers. p.survey-question {font-weight:bold;} Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. [26], In a questionnaire created by the Adelante Progressive Caucus, Stansbury pledged support for Medicare for All legislation, a federal assault weapons ban, the D.C. statehood movement, canceling student loan debt, federal marijuana legalization,[9] and several other progressive policies. position: absolute; Only there for three years. Elect Melanie Stansbury for New Mexico House District 28. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia. width: 100%; $(".collapse-all").on('click', () => { .panel-heading:hover { cursor: pointer;} font-size: .9em; ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } Be the first to hear about news, issues and our District! background-color: #003388; In Congress, I will continue to fight to pass meaningful legislation to address climate change, develop more renewable energy, ensure our water security, clean air, and the preservation of our public lands. $('#candidate-connection-email-98344').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-email'); }); Stansbury represented District 28 in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021. Whether you are running a race where youve got hundreds of thousands of constituents you are trying to reach out to, or 200 (party officials) at the end of the day, really, politics is about having conversations about the issues you care about, she said. [22] As no Republican had represented the district since 2009, The Santa Fe New Mexican labeled her "a heavy favorite". $('.showResponses').show(); word-wrap: break-word; I am deeply proud of my grassroots campaign, thats why I am including my most recent list of donors who have contributed more than $200 to my campaign. It shows a method she has a way of getting things done, Samuel said. It has been my policy since I first ran for office in the 2018 cycle to not accept funds from corporations or corporate PACs. Right now, families in New Mexico and across the country are forced to choose between taking time off to care for a loved one or themselves and keeping their job. Sources: $('.collapse').collapse('hide'); } There wasn't a lot of bills that were required bipartisanship and I anticipate this going on into Washington D. C. Samuel, the legislative watchdog group. Melanie Ann Stansbury ( Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing New Mexico's 1st Congressional District. .results_table { [20][21] In the second round of voting, she defeated Sedillo Lopez by six votes. background-color: green; How can she help you? Stansbury, 42, is hoping that strategy works again and leads her on a rapid rise in New Mexico politics. .mw-content-ltr td.votebox-results-cell--text, } In her campaign, Ad Stansbury calls herself a blue collar hard worker with a modest upbringing. .image-candidate-thumbnail-wrapper .image-candidate-thumbnail { letter-spacing: 0.03em; passed legislation focused on addressing childhood hunger, improving education, expanding economic opportunity and public safety, and improving access to healthcare, "I am beyond honored and grateful to have the endorsement of Din Equality and for the trust placed in me and our campaign, said Rep. Melanie Stansbury. padding-bottom: 0px; } During the pandemic, I have fought to help support families and businesses, including helping to pass emergency relief in the Legislature, raising money to help bring food and water to communities across the state, and helping people in our own community access food and navigate unemployment and other services. display: inline-block; Stansbury said her behind-the-scenes work on public policy will be an asset if she is elected. } Democrat Melanie Stansbury has won the special election in New Mexico's 1st district, according to the Associated Press. Stansburys campaign website stated the following: As a native New Mexican, I have dedicated my career to serving our community -- working to help address some of our most pressing challenges. .leg-hnt-section-title { She is a self-proclaimed science and policy wonk.. Thats another thing that Im really, really proud of.. .inner_percentage { background-color: green; She worked on the staff of the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and as an aide to Senator Maria Cantwell.