Derrick J. Lente is a Democratic member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, representing District 65 . Born in Sandia Pueblo, New Mexico, he is an attorney, businessman, and politician who took office in January 2017 after defeating 30-year incumbent James Madalena in the 2016 Democratic primary. Notable achievements include recognition as a “Rising Star” by the Democratic Party of New Mexico in 2018, the "Governors Award" from the All Pueblo Governors Council in 2019, and speaking at the 2020 Democratic National Convention to announce New Mexico's delegate votes. He serves as Chair of the House Taxation & Revenue Committee and Vice Chair of the Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee, with membership on the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a BA and JD from the University of New Mexico.
• Professional Background: After law school, owned an employment agency that grew into one of the largest solely-owned Native American corporations in the U.S., sold in 2013; currently listed as a business owner and lawyer.
• Political Experience: Elected in 2017 and serving multiple terms ; previously Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources.