title: James Madalena
text: # James Madalena
  
  James Roger Madalena, Sr. (Jemez Pueblo, born October 31, 1948) is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, representing District 65, from January 1985 to January 2017.
  
  ## Education
  
  Madalena earned his BA from Eastern New Mexico University.
  
  ## Career
  
  After serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives for over 30 years, Madelena was succeeded in 2016 by attorney and businessman Derrick J. Lente. Madelena ran for his old seat in the 2020 election but he lost in the primary 69% to 31%.
  
  