Serving
Cadena has won four consecutive elections in HD-33 (Dona Ana County) since 2018. She is a key voice on reproductive rights, having led the repeal of NM's 1969 abortion ban in 2021, and serves as Vice Chair of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee.
Current term ends December 31, 2026. Won re-election in November 2024 general. HD-33 covers Dona Ana County in southern New Mexico.
Micaela Lara Cadena has represented New Mexico House District 33 (Dona Ana County) since 2019, winning four consecutive elections. A Chicana New Mexican born and raised in Mesilla, she led the House effort to repeal New Mexico's 1969 abortion ban with the Respect New Mexico Women and Families Act (signed into law February 2021), positioning the state as a national haven for reproductive rights. She continues to serve as Research Director at Young Women United while in the legislature, focusing on reproductive justice, criminal justice reform, and water resources.
Born and raised in Mesilla, New Mexico. Self-describes as a Chicana New Mexican from a family of resilient mujeres (women) in the Mesilla Valley. Has a partner and two children. District mailing address remains in Mesilla (P.O. Box 1510).
Research Director at Young Women United (YWU), leading policy change and research for women and people of color in New Mexico; Bureau Chief of Recidivism Reduction at New Mexico Corrections Department, implementing gender-responsive and trauma-informed strategies and leading implementation of 2015 legislation requiring Medicaid eligibility determination for inmates pre-release; advocate for expanded pregnancy-related healthcare access including perinatal care and midwifery
Las Cruces High School; B.A. in International/Global Studies, Trinity College; M.A. in Community and Regional Planning, University of New Mexico