Senator Shannon D. Pinto is a Democratic member of the New Mexico State Senate representing District 3 . She is the only Diné member of the New Mexico Senate, born in Tohatchi, New Mexico, and has served since 2019. Appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to succeed her grandfather, longtime Senator John Pinto , she won election in 2020 with nearly 70% of the vote and secured the Democratic primary in June with a 25-point margin. Her priorities focus on district infrastructure for safety, navigating jurisdictional challenges across government entities, and advocating for statewide government accountability.

Education and Political Experience

Limited public details are available on her formal education. Politically, Pinto serves on various standing and interim legislative committees in Santa Fe. She emphasizes district-first representation, securing funding for community safety amid industrial threats, and continues her grandfather's legacy—New Mexico established February 14 as Senator John Pinto Day in 2018, a year before his death. Contactable at her district office in Tohatchi, she remains active in the legislature as of recent records.