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Xochitl Torres Small

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Article Genealogy
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Xochitl Torres Small
NameXochitl Torres Small
OfficeUnder Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development
Term startOctober 11, 2021
PresidentJoe Biden
PredecessorBette Brand
Office1Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
Term start1July 16, 2021
Term end1October 11, 2021
President1Joe Biden
Predecessor1Jewel H. Bronaugh
Successor1Vacant
Office2Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's 2nd district
Term start2January 3, 2019
Term end2January 3, 2021
Predecessor2Steve Pearce
Successor2Yvette Herrell
PartyDemocratic
SpouseNathaniel Small
EducationGeorgetown University (BA), University of New Mexico (JD)
Birth date15 November 1984
Birth placeLas Cruces, New Mexico, U.S.

Xochitl Torres Small is an American attorney and politician serving as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development in the Biden administration. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and as the U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 2nd congressional district from 2019 to 2021. Her career has focused on water law, rural economic development, and bipartisan legislative efforts in Congress.

Early life and education

Xochitl Torres Small was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and grew up in the border region of the state. She attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following her undergraduate studies, she returned to New Mexico to attend the University of New Mexico School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree. Her educational background laid the foundation for her deep commitment to legal issues affecting New Mexico and the American Southwest.

After law school, Torres Small clerked for Chief Judge Robert C. Brack of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. She then joined the prominent law firm Modrall Sperling in Albuquerque, where she specialized in water law and natural resources litigation. Her practice involved complex cases concerning acequia systems, interstate water compacts, and land grant disputes, representing local governments and community organizations. This work established her expertise in critical issues for rural and agricultural communities across the state.

U.S. House of Representatives

In the 2018 election, Torres Small was elected to represent New Mexico's 2nd congressional district, flipping a seat long held by Republicans like former Representative Steve Pearce. During her single term in the 116th United States Congress, she served on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. She co-sponsored bipartisan legislation, including the Great American Outdoors Act and bills to support Fort Bliss and Holloman Air Force Base. She was defeated for reelection in 2020 by Republican Yvette Herrell.

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

In July 2021, Torres Small was confirmed by the United States Senate as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, serving under Secretary Tom Vilsack in the United States Department of Agriculture. In this role, she was a key lieutenant in implementing the administration's agenda, overseeing day-to-day operations of the vast department. Her tenure focused on executing programs from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and preparing the department's implementation of infrastructure and climate initiatives.

Under Secretary for Rural Development

Nominated by President Joe Biden, Torres Small was confirmed as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development in October 2021. In this position, she leads the Rural Development mission area, which includes agencies like the Rural Housing Service and the Rural Utilities Service. She manages a portfolio of loan and grant programs aimed at expanding high-speed internet, modernizing water infrastructure, and promoting economic growth in communities from Appalachia to Indian Country.

Personal life

Xochitl Torres Small is married to Nathaniel Small, a former campaign advisor. She is the granddaughter of a migrant farmworker, a personal history she often cites as informing her policy focus on agriculture and rural opportunity. Her first name, Xochitl (pronounced SO-cheel), means "flower" in the Nahuatl language.

Category:1984 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from New Mexico Category:United States Under Secretaries of Agriculture Category:Georgetown University alumni Category:University of New Mexico alumni Category:American women lawyers Category:21st-century American politicians