Native American candidate Deb Haaland who is running for Congress in New Mexico's 1st congressional district seat for the upcoming mid-term elections, speaks in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 1, 2018. - If Haaland is successful she will be the first Native American woman to hold a seat in the United States House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Michelle Lujan Grisham who will now run for Governor of the state. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Biden to nominate Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior

Newsroom Staff December 17, 2020

Last Updated: December 17, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNN) – President-elect Joe Biden has reportedly selected Congresswoman Deb Haaland as his interior secretary nominee.

Haaland would be the first Native American to lead the department.

In 2018, she was one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress after she was elected to represent New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District.

An aide says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave Haaland’s selection her blessing.

Democrats have a thin majority in the House of Representatives right now.

It would be lessened if Haaland is confirmed.

Biden has yet to formally nominate Haaland.