Stansbury, Melanie A.

Melanie Stansbury represents New Mexico's 1st Congressional District, which includes the majority of Albuquerque and its surrounding suburbs. A Democrat, she first entered Congress in June 2021 after winning a special election to succeed Deb Haaland. Before her federal service, Stansbury served in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021. Her professional background is rooted in science and public policy, having worked as a STEM educator, a researcher on land and water issues, and a staffer for both the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the White House Office of Management and Budget.

In the House, Stansbury utilizes her technical expertise through assignments on the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. She holds a leadership role as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency. Her legislative priorities frequently center on environmental conservation, water resource management, and addressing systemic inequalities. Notable bills she has sponsored include the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 and the Public Health Nursing Act, reflecting her commitment to tribal issues and community health. Throughout her tenure, she has remained a vocal advocate for data-driven climate solutions and sustainable economic development.