NADCNM History

Native Americans play a key role in American history and politics. In fact, the word “caucus” is an Iroquoian language word, meaning coming together to make decisions, and caucuses played an important part in the Iroquois Confederacy on which the U.S. federal system is founded. 

 In 2005, for the first time in New Mexico history, with resources from the Democratic National Committee under the leadership of Chair John Wertheim and Executive Director Matt Farrauto, the Democratic Party of New Mexico hired the first full-time Native American Regional Field Director, Anathea Chino (Acoma Pueblo). Months later, Martin Aguilar (San Ildefonso), Evelyn Blanchard (Laguna/Yaqui), Anathea Chino (Acoma), Darva Chino (Acoma), Laura Harris (Comanche), Irvin Harrison (Navajo), Linda Yardley (Taos), and many other Native American democrats formed a working group to establish an official Caucus within the Democratic Party of New Mexico. 

The working group began organizing by educating Party officials and ally constituents about New Mexico’s Native voters, who had been previously marginalized and whose rural and urban communities had been politically unengaged, but held the power to be a “swing vote” in the state. The multi-pronged organizing effort was supported by deeply engaged non-Native allies, consistent and newly cultivated relationships with county political leaders across the state, and a wave of new energy from national presidential campaigns targeting communities of color across the country under the leadership of DNC Chair Howard Dean. Additionally, within the Party, Anathea Chino was offered support and advice from national Native DNC Appointed leaders like Frank LaMere and Kayln Free who were leading efforts in their own states. 

While Native Americans make up at least 10.5% of New Mexico’s population, 16% of the state Democratic Party are American Indian, and more than 75% of Native voters are registered as Democrats who, when engaged and mobilized, overwhelmingly vote Democratic - usually turning out at 64% or higher for Presidential elections. Not only are Natives a powerful swing vote in New Mexico, we also provide people-power, culturally relevant expertise, and financial resources to campaigns. Elected leaders like Sen. Tom Udall and former Sen. Jeff Bingaman and Gov. Bill Richardson recognized the power of the Native vote and publicly supported engagement and mobilization of Native communities and people.

 On March 17, 2006, after garnering the support of the majority of eligible voters of the State Central Committee, the Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico (NADC) was approved by a wide margin, becoming the second only state Native caucus in the country. Following New Mexico’s inception, we became a national leader for Native communities seeking to institutionalize recognition for their Native communities and Anathea Chino helped three additional states form their own Caucuses within the State Party structure.

 The Caucus, led by the founding Chair, Laura Harris, adopted three main goals: to have a strong and respected Native American presence within the state Party; to educate Party officials, staff, elected officials, and candidates on Native issues and political power; and to develop and maintain a Native American platform of the state Party. The Caucus also sought to mobilize Native Americans to be more politically informed and engaged, encourage Natives to run for office, to have a paid position within the formal Party structure, and get elected or appointed to leadership positions within the state Democratic Party. 

For twelve years, the Caucus has registered voters, volunteered for candidates and supported Party efforts throughout the state. “Native-to-Native” outreach has been very successful in gubernatorial and presidential election cycles. The Caucus played significant roles in the Coordinated Campaigns of 2008 and 2012, helping to elect and reelect Barack Obama. The Caucus continues to be part of the political fabric of New Mexico as we learn our own strength and how best to use our political power to strengthen our communities. 

Submitted by Laura Harris, Native American Democratic Caucus Founding Chair
Edited by Anathea Chino, former DPNM Regional Field Director & Native American Democratic Caucus Strategist, April 17, 2018