Derrick J. Lente is an American politician, attorney, and businessman serving as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives. Elected in 2017, Lente represents the 65th district.[1]
Derrick Lente | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 65th district | |
| Assumed office January 2017 | |
| Preceded by | James Madalena |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Sandia Pueblo, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of New Mexico (BA, JD) |
Early life and education
editBorn and raised on the Sandia Pueblo reservation, Lente attended public schools in Bernalillo County. After taking courses at Central New Mexico Community College, Lente earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in intercultural communications and English from the University of New Mexico. He then earned a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.[2]
Career
editAfter graduating from law school, Lente purchased an employment agency with offices in New Mexico and California. The business grew to become one of the largest solely-owned Native American corporations in the United States. Lente sold the business in 2013.[3][4]
Lente defeated 30-year-incumbent James Madalena in the 2016 Democratic primary, and took office in January 2017.[5] Lente appeared at the 2020 Democratic National Convention to announce the votes of New Mexico's delegates.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Derrick J. Lente". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2020-04-19.
- ^ "Home | Derrick Lente For New Mexico House District 65". website. Retrieved 2020-04-19.
- ^ Gatewood, Tara. "Covid-19's Impact on Indian Country: NM Representative Derrick J. Lente". www.ksfr.org. Retrieved 2020-04-19.
- ^ Lente, Derrick J. "Native voting — a step in the right direction". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved 2020-04-19.
- ^ Mexican, Steve Terrell The New. "Largely status quo for Legislature". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved 2020-04-19.
- ^ "State representative announces New Mexico's roll call vote at DNC". KRQE News 13 Albuquerque - Santa Fe. 2020-08-19. Retrieved 2020-08-20.