Haaland Names Leaders for Transition, Inaugural Teams
Governor-elect Deb Haaland has named the honorary chairs, inauguration leaders and staff who will guide her incoming administration's transition.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in People
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Governor-elect Deb Haaland announced the leaders of her transition and inaugural teams in an official statement from Albuquerque. Ambassador Tom Udall serves as Honorary Chair of the transition team, which includes five U.S. senators and representatives, state legislative leaders, and five Pueblo and Navajo Nation leaders as Honorary Co-Chairs.
Why it matters
The appointments set the leadership structure for Haaland's move into the governor's office in New Mexico. The advisors are expected to help establish the foundation for the transition and execute its planned steps.
The transition team includes five U.S. Senators and Representatives and five Pueblo and Navajo Nation leaders serving as Honorary Co-Chairs. The announcement did not provide funding amounts or a timeline for the transition work.
The players
Deb Haaland
Deb Haaland is the Governor-elect of New Mexico, a former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and a member of the Pueblo of Laguna.
Tom Udall
Tom Udall is a former U.S. Senator from New Mexico who now serves as U.S. Ambassador and is named Honorary Chair of the transition team.
The details
Haaland named Ambassador Tom Udall as Honorary Chair of the transition team, alongside Honorary Co-Chairs including U.S. senators and representatives, state legislative leaders, and governors of Pueblos and the Navajo Nation. Clara Apodaca and Martin Chavez were named Inauguration Chairs, Britton Hansen as Inauguration Director, and Leah Johnson as Inauguration Deputy Director.
Timeline
Nov. 10, 2026: Haaland announced the leaders of her transition and inaugural teams.
Political Context
Haaland's transition team draws on tribal leadership, with five Pueblo and Navajo Nation leaders serving as Honorary Co-Chairs alongside state and federal officials. This broad representation reflects the role tribal governments play in New Mexico's state politics.
The transition team will shape early decisions in Haaland's administration, which she says will focus on bringing down costs and putting money back in people's pockets. Residents may see the effects of these priorities as the new administration begins its work.
The takeaway
Leadership appointments made early in a governor-elect's term signal the priorities and coalitions that will guide the coming administration. The mix of federal, state and tribal figures on Haaland's team points to the broad base she is building for her term.
Further reading
Explore more New Mexico people coverage for background on the state's leaders and public figures.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Alamos Daily Post.
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