09/20/2025
The kids and I are very proud of Michelle! If you know her like we do, always helping and taking action, she’s deserving of this recognition. 💫🌎🪶
DPNM's Rising Star Gala has a long tradition of recognizing up and coming leaders who exemplify Democratic values in their communities✨, and in keeping with that tradition, we're so proud to be honoring NM Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta for New Mexico!⭐️⭐️
Rep. Michelle “Paulene” Abeyta represents House District 69, covering mostly rural and tribal areas of Bernalillo, McKinley, Valencia, San Juan, Socorro, and Cibola counties. Paulene is a proud member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, where she lives with her husband Chad and four children. Paulene is a legal practitioner by trade and holds a bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies and Communication from UNM and a law degree from the University of Arizona.
Although in her first term, Paulene has been dedicated to community service for years, serving on multiple boards, including the Navajo Nation Bar Association Board of Bar Commissioners, National Native American Bar Association Board, and her local health and school boards. Paulene has already established herself as one of the legislature’s leading voices on CYFD reform, child well-being, and helping families get ahead. She is the Chairwoman of the Office of the Child Advocate selection committee.
In her first legislative session, Paulene also sponsored bills to clean up contaminated waste sites, allow students to wear their tribal regalia at school graduations, and establish the Turquoise Alert system to notify New Mexicans of missing indigenous individuals. She sits on the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee and Judiciary Committee.
Be sure to save the date and reserve your tickets to support the Democratic Party at the 2025 Rising Star Gala✨! Get your tickets here👉 https://goodchange.app/donate/2025--58
