‘It takes a lot of work’: Deb Haaland puts addiction struggles at center of New Mexico governor bid
Summary
Deb Haaland, a former US cabinet secretary and Congress member, is running for governor of New Mexico. She openly shares her personal experience with alcoholism and her long-term sobriety to highlight the state’s addiction and public health crisis.Key Facts
- Deb Haaland struggled with alcoholism after high school and was twice arrested for drunk driving.
- She has been sober for 35 years, after getting help from inpatient treatment, meetings, and therapy.
- Haaland is a Democrat running for governor of New Mexico in the November midterm election.
- She served in Congress from 2019 to 2021 and as Interior Secretary in President Biden’s cabinet from 2021 to 2025.
- Her campaign focuses on addiction as a health issue, not a moral failing, aiming to increase support and reduce stigma.
- New Mexico faces a serious fentanyl crisis affecting even small rural communities.
- Haaland’s plan includes requiring insurance companies to cover addiction treatment and fighting drug trafficking.
- The campaign ad features real people sharing their recovery stories and support for her approach.
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