Tom Udall

Tom Udall – Life, Career, and Public Service

Explore the life and legacy of Tom Udall (born May 18, 1948) — American lawyer, Congressman, U.S. Senator, and Ambassador. Learn about his early years, political journey, key accomplishments, principles, and quotations.

Introduction

Thomas Stewart “Tom” Udall (born May 18, 1948) is an American lawyer, diplomat, and former politician best known for serving as U.S. Senator from New Mexico (2009–2021).

A member of the prominent Udall political family, his career spans roles such as Attorney General of New Mexico, U.S. Representative, and later U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.

Through his decades in public service, Udall has been associated with environmental advocacy, ethics in government, bipartisan legislative efforts, and diplomacy.

Early Life, Education & Background

Tom Udall was born in Tucson, Arizona, on May 18, 1948.
He is the son of Stewart Udall, who served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior (1961–1969), and nephew of U.S. Representative Mo Udall.

His family’s political legacy gave him early exposure to public service and environmental policy.

Education & Early Legal Career

• Udall earned a Bachelor’s degree from Prescott College in Arizona.

• He obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Cambridge University (Downing College) in England.

• Later, he earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of New Mexico School of Law.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Udall served as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico (criminal division), and later as Chief Counsel to New Mexico’s Department of Health and Environment.

These early roles allowed him to build legal, regulatory, and environmental credentials ahead of elected office.

Political Career & Major Offices

Udall’s public career can be broken into phases: State & legal leadership, U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and diplomatic service.

New Mexico Attorney General (1991 – 1999)

In 1990, Udall was elected Attorney General of New Mexico, taking office in 1991.
He was re-elected to a second term in 1994.

As Attorney General, Udall prioritized issues such as consumer protection, ethics, prosecuting corrupt politicians (including from his own party), and strengthening laws against domestic violence and DWI (driving while intoxicated).

His reputation for integrity and legal competence during this period helped set the stage for higher office.

U.S. House of Representatives (1999 – 2009)

Udall entered the U.S. House by winning election in 1998 to represent New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District, taking office January 3, 1999.

He served four full terms (1999–2009).

While in the House, he was active in environmental and conservation issues, ethics reform, and resource and energy policy.

He also joined the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition, reflecting a blend of progressive and pragmatic stances.

U.S. Senate (2009 – 2021)

In 2008, Udall ran for U.S. Senate in New Mexico, won, and began his term on January 3, 2009.
He was re-elected in 2014.

During his Senate tenure, he served on committees including Foreign Relations, Environment & Public Works, Indian Affairs, Commerce/Science/Transportation, and Appropriations.

He also held the role of Vice Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee from January 3, 2017, to January 3, 2021.

Notably, in March 2019, Udall announced he would not seek re-election in 2020, making him the only Democratic senator to retire that cycle.

Diplomatic Service: U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand & Samoa (2021 – 2025)

On July 16, 2021, President Joe Biden announced his nomination of Udall as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.
His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 26, 2021, by voice vote.
He presented his credentials in New Zealand on December 2, 2021.
On February 17, 2022, he presented credentials virtually in Samoa.

His ambassadorial term ended January 14, 2025.

Major Themes, Achievements & Political Positions

Throughout his career, several themes and accomplishments stand out.

Environmental & Conservation Leadership

Udall has been a consistent advocate for conservation, public lands, clean energy, and climate policies.
He received high scores from environmental rating organizations like the League of Conservation Voters.

He supported legislation for land and water conservation funding and signed bipartisan letters for full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Act.

Ethics, Transparency & Government Accountability

As Attorney General, Udall emphasized prosecuting corruption, ensuring transparency, and applying ethics even to members of his own party.
In Congress, he supported reform measures to reduce influence of money in politics, such as proposing constitutional amendments to curb outside spending (e.g. reversing Citizens United).

Legislative Record & Key Votes

Udall’s Senate votes included support for major Democratic priorities:

• The Affordable Care Act

• Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

• Labor, healthcare, and economic stimulus legislation
  He also took early positions critical of NSA surveillance overreach.

He introduced legislation including the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, updating chemical safety regulation in the U.S.

He co-sponsored the AFGHAN Service Act with Senator Rand Paul.

Tribal & Native American Affairs

His role on the Indian Affairs Committee, and his positions on tribal land issues, were significant.

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy

As Senator and as Ambassador, Udall engaged in international affairs, diplomatic relations, and represented U.S. interests abroad in New Zealand and Samoa.

Legacy, Influence & Impact

Tom Udall’s legacy encompasses:

• Bridging law and politics – His legal background shaped how he approached policy, regulation, and governance.

• Sustained environmental advocacy – He is viewed as part of a generation of lawmakers who strengthened environmental protections and public lands in the U.S.

• Ethics and transparency – His consistency around government accountability remains a reference point for those pushing institutional reform.

• Diplomatic service – Transitioning from domestic politics to ambassadorial roles marks him among contemporary U.S. politicians who have pivoted to soft power and international engagement.

• Part of the Udall family political tradition – He continues the public service legacy of the Udall clan in the American West.

Quotations & Public Remarks

Tom Udall is less known for striking aphorisms than for consistent rhetoric in speeches, interviews, and legislative remarks. While fewer “famous quotes” are widely circulated, some themes recur:

• He often frames public lands, conservation, and climate action as moral and generational responsibilities.

• In announcing his retirement from the Senate, he spoke about the importance of passing the torch and making space for new voices.

• In his legal and congressional roles, he emphasized ethics, integrity, and service over partisanship.