Former second district congresswoman nominated to national ag posting

Feb. 21—President Joe Biden has nominated former New Mexico U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small to be the second highest-ranking official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

On its website, the White House announced Torres Small's appointment to be the next Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. She will replace current Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh. Torres Small, 38, is a resident of Las Cruces.

Much of Roosevelt County was in the state's Second Congressional District until redistricting took place and put much of the county in the Third Congressional District.

Roosevelt County Democratic Party Chair Tate Turnbough described Torres Small's nomination as "amazing."

"President Biden only picks the best for his cabinet positions as seen with the selection of Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior," Turnbough said. "Farmers and ranchers across the country should be happy with someone like Torres Small fighting for them and their best interests."

Torres Small has served as Undersecretary for Rural Development at the Department of Agriculture since October 2021. Secretary Tom Vilsack, in a press release, called Torres Small an exemplary member of the Department's sub-cabinet and a dedicated advocate for rural communities.

"Congratulations to my friend Xochitl Torres Small," Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-NM said. "As a granddaughter of farmworkers, New Mexico native, and dedicated public servant, she will achieve great things in this position."

The Roswell Daily Record contributed to this article.