Xochitl Torres Small facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Xochitl Torres Small
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| 15th United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture | |
| In office July 17, 2023 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Jewel H. Bronaugh |
| Succeeded by | TBC |
| Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development | |
| In office October 13, 2021 – July 17, 2023 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Lisa Mensah |
| Succeeded by | Basil Gooden |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's 2nd district |
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| In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Steve Pearce |
| Succeeded by | Yvette Herrell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Xochitl Liana Torres
November 15, 1984 Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Nathan Small |
| Education | Georgetown University (BS) University of New Mexico (JD) |
Xochitl Liana Torres Small (say it like SOH-cheel; born November 15, 1984) is an American lawyer and politician. She served as the 15th United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture from 2023 to 2025. In this role, she was like the main manager for the entire department. President Joe Biden chose her for this important job in February 2023.
Before that, she was a U.S. representative for New Mexico's 2nd district from 2019 to 2021. She also worked as the Under Secretary for Rural Development for the Department of Agriculture from 2021 to 2023.
Contents
Early Life and School
Xochitl Liana Torres was born on November 15, 1984, in Portland, Oregon. Her parents, Marcos and Cynthia Torres, were both teachers. Xochitl grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her family has Mexican American roots, going back three generations.
She finished high school at Mayfield High School. At the same time, she earned a special diploma called the International Baccalaureate Diploma from a school in Eswatini, Africa. Later, she went to Georgetown University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She then studied law at the University of New Mexico School of Law.
Early Career Steps
From 2009 to 2012, Torres Small worked for U.S. Senator Tom Udall. She helped people in his home state. Later, from 2015 to 2016, she worked as a law clerk in New Mexico. This means she helped a judge with legal research. She also worked as a lawyer specializing in water rights.
Serving in Congress
Becoming a Representative
In 2018, Torres Small decided to run for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the country. She ran to represent New Mexico's 2nd district. The person who held the seat before, Steve Pearce, decided to run for governor instead.
Torres Small won the primary election for her party. Then, in the main election, she ran against Yvette Herrell. The election was very close! On election night, it looked like Herrell might win. But after all the votes were counted, including mail-in ballots, Torres Small was declared the winner. She ran as a moderate Democrat, meaning she often tried to find common ground.
What She Did in Office
Soon after she started, Torres Small visited a border station in New Mexico. She went with other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. They wanted to learn more about the conditions there.
During her time in Congress, Torres Small helped pass three bills into law. This means her ideas became official rules for the country. She also missed very few votes, showing she was dedicated to her work.
Working on Committees
While in Congress, Torres Small was part of several important groups called committees. These groups focus on specific topics.
- Committee on Armed Services: This committee deals with military and defense issues.
- Committee on Homeland Security: This group works on keeping the country safe, including border security. She even led a subcommittee on oversight.
- Committee on Agriculture: This committee focuses on farming and food policies.
Other Groups She Joined
She was also a member of several caucuses, which are groups of lawmakers who share similar interests or goals:
- Blue Dog Coalition: A group of moderate Democrats.
- Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues: Focuses on issues important to women.
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus: Represents the interests of Hispanic Americans.
- New Democrat Coalition: A group of centrist Democrats.
2020 Election
In 2020, Yvette Herrell ran against Torres Small again. This time, Herrell won the election.
Working for the Department of Agriculture
In 2021, President Joe Biden chose Torres Small for a new role. She became the Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. This job involves helping rural areas and communities. She started this role in October 2021.
Then, in February 2023, President Biden nominated her for an even bigger job: United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. After a hearing, the Senate approved her for the position. She was sworn in on July 17, 2023. As Deputy Secretary, she helped manage the entire department that deals with farming, food, and rural life in the U.S.
Personal Life
Xochitl Torres Small is married to Nathan Small. He is also a politician and serves in the New Mexico House of Representatives. She is a member of the Lutheran church.
See also
In Spanish: Xochitl Torres Small para niños
- List of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States Congress
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
Images for kids
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Xochitl Torres Small
