title: Derrick Lente
text: # Derrick Lente
  
  Derrick J. Lente is an American politician, attorney, and businessman serving as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives. Elected in 2017, Lente represents the 65th district.
  
  ## Early life and education
  
  Born and raised on the Sandia Pueblo reservation, Lente attended public schools in Bernalillo County. After taking courses at Central New Mexico Community College, Lente earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in intercultural communications and English from the University of New Mexico. He then earned a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
  
  ## Career
  
  After graduating from law school, Lente purchased an employment agency with offices in New Mexico and California. The business grew to become one of the largest solely-owned Native American corporations in the United States. Lente sold the business in 2013.
  
  Lente defeated 30-year-incumbent James Madalena in the 2016 Democratic primary, and took office in January 2017. Lente appeared at the 2020 Democratic National Convention to announce the votes of New Mexico's delegates.
  
  