title: Debra M. Sariñana
text: # Debra M. Sariñana
  
  Debra Marie Sariñana is an American educator and politician serving as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 21st district, which includes a portion of Bernalillo County.
  
  ## Early life and education
  
  Sariñana was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from Manzano High School in 1978. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from New Mexico State University in 1983 and a Master of Arts in mathematics education from the University of New Mexico in 2007.
  
  ## Career
  
  Sariñana served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1984 to 1990 as a medical service specialist. Prior to entering politics, she was a math teacher at Manzano High School. In the November 8, 2016 Democratic primary for the 21st district of the New Mexico House of Representatives, Sariñana defeated incumbent Idalia Lechuga-Tena. She took office in January 2017.
  
  