Brenda McKenna
Brenda McKenna | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Mexico Senate from the 9th district | |
| Assumed office January 19, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | John Sapien |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Brenda Grace Agoyothé Nambé Pueblo, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ralph McKenna |
| Education | Syracuse University (BA) Central Washington University (BS) |
Brenda Grace Agoyothé McKenna is an American politician, educator, and former political advisor serving as a member of the New Mexico Senate from the 9th district. Elected in 2020, she assumed office on January 19, 2021.
Early life and education
[edit]A native of Nambé Pueblo, New Mexico, McKenna graduated from Pojoaque Valley High School in Santa Fe. Her father served in the Vietnam War and her mother worked as a dental assistant. McKenna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in organizational development from Central Washington University.[1]
Career
[edit]After earning her master's degree, McKenna worked as a language program coordinator for the University of New Mexico Department of Linguistics. She also served as the public relations director of the Central New Mexico chapter of the League of Women Voters. She was the chair of the Nambe Pueblo Gaming Enterprise Board and worked as an examiner for Quality New Mexico, a non-profit based in Albuquerque. Prior to her election, McKenna worked as field representative in the district office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland.[2]
In the 2020 Democratic primary for the 9th district in the New Mexico Senate, McKenna placed first in a field of three candidates. She then defeated Republican nominee John Clark in the November general election.[3] She assumed office on January 19, 2021.[4]
Personal life
[edit]McKenna and her husband, Ralph McKenna, live in Corrales, New Mexico.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Candidate, The (25 September 2020). "Q&A: Senate District 9 Candidate Brenda Grace Agoyothé McKenna". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved 2020-11-20.
- ^ "ABOUT BRENDA". Brenda McKenna for NM State Senate District 9. Retrieved 2020-11-20.
- ^ "NM-Winners". AP NEWS. 2020-06-06. Retrieved 2020-11-20.
- ^ "Brenda McKenna". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2020-11-20.
- ^ "ABOUT BRENDA". Brenda McKenna for NM State Senate District 9. Retrieved 2020-11-20.
- Living people
- People from Nambé Pueblo, New Mexico
- Syracuse University alumni
- Central Washington University alumni
- Women state legislators in New Mexico
- Democratic Party New Mexico state senators
- Native American state legislators in New Mexico
- Politicians from Santa Fe, New Mexico
- People from Santa Fe County, New Mexico
- 21st-century American women
- 21st-century Native American women
- 21st-century Native American politicians
- 21st-century American legislators
- Native American women in politics