Alamogordo Area Politician Yvette Herrell Confirmed to Key USDA Role in Trump Administration

Alamogordo, NM — December 19, 2025 — The Herrell family has deep roots in southern New Mexico, with ties to the Alamogordo area spanning generations through business and community involvement. Yvette Herrell, a longtime resident of Alamogordo, grew up in nearby Ruidoso and Cloudcroft before building her career here. Her father, Tommy Herrell, worked in real estate, property development, and insurance—industries that shaped the local economy

Yvette followed in his footsteps, working as a real estate broker for Future Real Estate in Alamogordo and later founding her own firm, Herrell Insurance and Real Estate. This family legacy in business and property has made the Herrells a familiar name in Otero County. The name is often described locally as a dynasty of sorts, with some actions raising questions of using their influence. Their longstanding presence and contributions to the community are well recognized in business and political circles. 

Her mother, a respected historian and tireless advocate, has championed historic preservation through her work with the Tularosa Basin Historical Society and Museum, preserving the stories that bind our communities together. Meanwhile, her father continues in civic leadership recently with efforts to address homelessness among veterans in Alamogordo, working toward practical housing solutions for those who have served our nation.

Former U.S. Representative Yvette Herrell, who represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District from 2021 to 2023, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last night to serve as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Affairs in the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The confirmation, approved along party lines in a 53-43 vote, marks a significant return to federal service for Herrell.

Yvette Herrell, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation and the first Republican Native woman elected to Congress, has long been a champion for rural and agricultural issues central to Alamogordo and Otero County, where farming, ranching, and federal land management are economic cornerstones.

In her new role, Herrell will serve as the primary liaison between the USDA and Congress, advocating for policies that support farmers, ranchers, and rural economies such as Otero County.

Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela praised the appointment, stating: “We are thrilled for Yvette and cannot wait to see her serve in the Trump Administration. President Trump’s second term has been filled with unprecedented accomplishments and, with the addition of Yvette Herrell at USDA, I am certain that will continue. Her deep roots in Southern New Mexico give her a firsthand understanding of the agricultural, rural, and economic issues facing our state, making her exceptionally well suited to serve in this role.”

Herrell’s confirmation follows her nomination in June 2025 and months of Senate review. She previously lost reelection bids in 2022 and 2024 to Democrat Gabe Vasquez, who currently holds the 2nd District seat.

No immediate public response was available from Democratic leaders or Rep. Vasquez regarding the appointment.

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