Melanie A. Stansbury is a Democratic Representative from New Mexico, currently serving in the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress. She was born on January 31, 1979, in Farmington, New Mexico. Stansbury graduated from Cibola High School in Albuquerque in 1997 and earned her Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary's College of California in 2002. She went on to receive a Master of Science from Cornell University in 2007. Before her political career, Stansbury worked as a consultant and held positions at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Stansbury entered politics as a member of the New Mexico State House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021, representing the interests of her constituents at the state level. She was elected to the U.S. Congress to fill the vacancy left by Debra Haaland's resignation in June 2021 and has since been reelected, demonstrating her continued support within her district.

As a member of Congress, Stansbury serves on multiple committees, including the House Committee on Natural Resources, where she engages in a wide range of issues related to public lands and environmental management. She is particularly invested in legislation that addresses climate change, natural resource management, and Indigenous rights.

Throughout her congressional tenure, Stansbury has sponsored and co-sponsored several bills reflecting her policy priorities. A notable example is the proposed America's Red Rock Wilderness Act (HB2467), which aims to designate extensive wilderness areas in Utah, thereby aiming to protect these lands from development and resource extraction. This legislation highlights her commitment to environmental conservation and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Another significant piece of legislation she is involved with is the Capping Prescription Costs Act (HB2553), which seeks to limit out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, reflecting a focus on healthcare accessibility and affordability. Such efforts indicate her alignment with Democratic values centered around social equity and health reform.

Stansbury is also engaged in educational initiatives, jointly supporting the 1890 Scholarships Program (HB1271) aimed at providing funding for scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, showing her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities.

Her political stance can be characterized as progressive, as evidenced by her support for environmental conservation measures, healthcare reforms, and equity-focused legislation. This aligns her with the broader Democratic agenda that emphasizes climate action, healthcare access, and social justice.

Stansbury’s background includes extensive experience in federal and state government roles, allowing her to leverage her expertise in navigating complex legislative processes. She continues to advocate for her constituents in New Mexico, focusing on issues that are crucial for their welfare and sustainability of the state’s natural resources.

Stansbury's personal life reflects her commitment to public service, and she remains active in her community, emphasizing collaborative approaches to problem-solving and community engagement. Her legislative work aims to effect positive change not only in New Mexico but across the nation, influencing policies that resonate with the needs of diverse populations.