Theresa Becenti-Aguilar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theresa Becenti-Aguilar
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| Member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from the 4th district |
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| In office January 1, 2019 – January 1, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Lynda Lovejoy |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| In office July 6, 2010 – January 1, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Carol K. Sloan |
| Succeeded by | Lynda Lovejoy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Navajo Nation |
| Political party | Democratic |
Theresa Becenti-Aguilar is an American politician. She worked as a member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. This group helps make rules for things like electricity, gas, and phone services in New Mexico. She represented the 4th district. This district covers many counties, including Cibola, McKinley, and San Juan Counties. It also includes parts of other counties like Bernalillo and Santa Fe.
Early Life and Learning
Born in Coyote Canyon, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, Theresa Becenti-Aguilar grew up there. She studied accounting at Santa Fe Business College. She also earned a paralegal certificate from Santa Fe Community College. A paralegal helps lawyers with legal work. She is also a certified advocate in public ethics. She earned this from New Mexico State University.
Her Work and Public Service
Theresa Becenti-Aguilar started her career at the Bureau of Land Management. This agency manages public lands. Later, she worked for Tom Udall. He was the attorney general for New Mexico. Then, he became a member of the United States House of Representatives. She helped people from tribal communities.
In 2006, she became the first Native American liaison for the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. This means she was a link between the commission and Native American communities.
Becoming a Commissioner
In June 2010, Becenti-Aguilar won the Democratic nomination. She ran for public regulation commissioner for the 4th district. She won against three other candidates. The governor, Bill Richardson, then appointed her to the seat. This happened after the previous commissioner left office. She was elected in November with 55% of the votes.
She ran for re-election in 2014 but did not win. In 2018, Becenti-Aguilar ran again. She won a close race against Lynda Lovejoy and Janene Yazzie. She then won the main election without anyone running against her. Her time on the commission ended on December 31, 2022. This was because of a change to the state's constitution. The commission changed from elected members to appointed members.
