Healthcare Champion Rep. Debbie Armstrong Retires from New Mexico House
The four-term Albuquerque lawmaker brought unmatched healthcare expertise to the Roundhouse, expanding access to and improving affordability of medical care to create a healthier New Mexico
Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, Albuquerque House District 17 Representative Debbie Armstrong announced her resignation from the New Mexico House of Representatives, effective Friday, July 15, 2022. During her distinguished four-term legislative career, Armstrong served as the Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, bringing transformative change to our healthcare systems and advancing equity for New Mexicans.
Rep. Armstrong has been at the helm of some of the most high-profile and important legislation of the past decade, including the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act, the establishment of both medical and adult-use cannabis programs, the repeal of New Mexico’s antiquated abortion ban, and the Healthcare Affordability Fund, which lowered healthcare costs and expanded access across the state. She also championed health coverage for contraception, quality senior care through the Kiki Saavedra Senior Dignity Fund, and affordable healthcare and prescription drug coverage through the Health Security Act and the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Act.
In addition, Rep. Armstrong served as a member of the House Judiciary Committee and an advisory member of the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee and the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee. During her time in the Legislature, she has earned deep respect from her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. In the 2022 session, the House unanimously passed a Memorial, with 42 bipartisan sponsors, recognizing Armstrong’s steadfast commitment to health care advocacy and boundless compassion.
“My goal has always been to make quality healthcare accessible for all New Mexicans. From ensuring access to affordable prescriptions and contraception, to legalizing medical cannabis and compassionate options for the terminally ill, we’ve made incredible progress over the past eight years,” said Rep. Armstrong. “Thank you to my supporters and colleagues across the Roundhouse who helped make these victories for the people of our state possible. It’s been a rewarding journey and an honor to represent my constituents in central Albuquerque and the North Valley.”
"Representative Armstrong has for years been a strong advocate for the health and well-being of every New Mexican, one of the fiercest and most dedicated champions our state has ever had working to ensure that all New Mexicans have healthcare access. Throughout her distinguished tenure as a legislator, she always put people first – making health insurance affordable for more families, reproductive healthcare accessible to more women and medical cannabis available to more patients, to name only a few of her numerous legislative accomplishments,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “In 2021, Representative Armstrong succeeded in leading the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act through the Legislature, the culmination of a passionate decades-long effort for the representative and countless advocates for dignity in dying throughout our state. I know she will continue her efforts to improve the lives of New Mexicans outside the Legislature, but her departure is certainly bittersweet. As both a friend and colleague I wish her the very best of luck in her future endeavors and many happy years spent with her family and loved ones, and I look forward to continuing to work with her for a brighter future for New Mexico families."
“During her eight years in the Legislature, Rep. Armstrong truly distinguished herself as a champion for healthcare, a respected and effective leader, and a pleasure to work alongside,” said Speaker Brian Egolf. “Debbie brought unparalleled expertise to her role as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and fought tirelessly for the health and well-being of the people of New Mexico. She will be greatly missed, but we wish our dear friend and colleague all the best.”
“With her extensive background in healthcare and passion for community service, Rep. Armstrong championed effective policies to protect patients’ rights, while ensuring New Mexico’s most vulnerable families had affordable access to quality health care,” said Majority Leader Javier Martínez. “Even in the midst of challenging circumstances, she has remained a pillar of wisdom and strength in our chamber, and will be sorely missed by our Caucus.”
“Rep. Armstrong has always led with excellence in all arenas of her life. She is a great friend, dedicated mother, and exemplary legislator, always remaining calm and strong under pressure,” said Majority Whip Doreen Gallegos. “She provided outstanding service to her constituents, our Caucus, and all of New Mexico during her tenure in the House. Our state is much better off today thanks to her hard work, and I will greatly miss serving with her.”
Armstrong announced in September 2021 that she would not seek reelection. The Bernalillo County Commission will appoint a new House member to carry out the remainder of Rep. Armstrong’s current term, which runs through January 2023. A new Representative for District 17 will be elected in the November 2022 election.
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