Career
In 1994, she was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico as Governor Bruce King"s running mate, but lost the general election. In 1998, she became the first woman elected Attorney General of the State of New Mexico. She was re-elected in 2002.
In 2005, Madrid became the chairperson of the Conference of Western Attorneys General, which focuses on energy, environment and Indian gaming issues.
Madrid was term limited from running for re-election and ran in 2006 for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in New Mexico"s 1st congressional district. She lost to Republican incumbent, Heather Wilson by 875 (out of 211,000) votes.
When it appeared that Senator Pete Domenici was going to run for re-election in 2008, a Wilson-Madrid rematch was considered a strong possibility, especially considering Wilson"s role in the firing of United States Attorney for New Mexico David Iglesias, but following Domenici"s poll numbers dropping as a result of the scandal, it appeared Madrid may have considered running against him. When Domenici announced his retirement from the Senate and Wilson announced her candidacy for the open Senate seat, it appeared Madrid may have been facing a rematch with Wilson on the statewide level
When Democratic Congressman Tom Udall entered the race, Madrid opted against running for the United States. Senate.
Established a Capital Litigation Unit to provide assistance to district attorneys statewide prosecuting violent crimes and death penalty cases. Introduced New Mexico"s first state-level Crime Victim"s Services Unit. Established the Violence Against Women unit, which received a grant for over $560,000 to provide training for first responders to domestic violence incidents in rural New Mexico.
Established the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Convicted a number of individuals for the illegal dumping of rendering plant waste near irrigation ditches in violation of the state"s Water Quality Acting. Helped found the Endangered Species Acting Work Group, which brings together farmers and municipalities, federal, state and environmental interests.
Ruled against the legality of the county clerk of Sandoval County issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
