ABOUT STEVE

United States Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM) is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the people of the 2nd Congressional District of New Mexico. Congressman Pearce was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 after having won a competitive five-way primary election. He then went on to win one of the nation's toughest congressional battles in 2002 and one of the most contested congressional races in the history of Southern New Mexico.

Pearce is among a distinguished group of members tapped by the House Republican leadership to serve as an assistant Republican Whip with the responsibility of working closely with Republican leaders in rounding up votes for key legislative initiatives. Steve is a leader on the House Natural Resources Committee where he is the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and is a member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. Steve also serves on the House Financial Services Committee where he is the Deputy Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and is a member of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.

Steve is working to build a stronger New Mexico by increasing innovation, expanding opportunity and demanding accountability from the Congress and the federal agencies Southern New Mexico relies on. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mining, Congressman Pearce is a leading voice for innovative renewable energy projects in New Mexico and throughout the nation. Pearce is increasing opportunities by holding financial literacy forums to educate individuals on the basics of our financial systems. Additionally, Pearce holds regular forums to combat the scourge of methamphetamine and to strengthen families. And, Congressman Pearce is holding the government accountable by providing oversight and asking tough questions on issues like the conditions for out patients at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC where so many of New Mexico’s wounded fighting men and women receive treatment.

Congressman Pearce is also a leader on issues of great interest to the people of New Mexico serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Sportsman Caucus, Vice-Chairman of the Native American Caucus, Co-Chair of the Border Security Caucus and a member of the Methamphetamine Caucus.

Before being elected to Congress, Steve served in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1996 until 2000 when he was elected to Congress. In the State Legislature, Steve served as the Republican Caucus Chairman and was selected "Outstanding Legislator" by the New Mexico Technology Showcase for his work on economic development issues related to the technology sector.

Steve and his wife Cynthia raised their family in Hobbs, New Mexico. Together they owned and operated Lea Fishing Tools, an oilfield services firm. They grew that firm 10-fold in 10-years, increasing employment from four to over 40. Steve and Cynthia were honored by the Association of Commerce and Industry with the VIVA Award for outstanding business in New Mexico. The Pearce's sold their business in order to focus on their family and pursuing their interest in public service to the people of New Mexico.

Steve is a decorated war veteran having served as a pilot in the Air Force. Congressman Pearce, based out of the Philippines, flew missions into Vietnam for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. Returning to the United States, he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command at Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas. He separated honorably with the rank of Captain.

Born in 1947, Steve was raised in Hobbs, New Mexico. He attended New Mexico public schools, and graduated from New Mexico State University with a BA degree in economics. While at NMSU Steve was elected Student Body President. He then went on to earn his MBA from Eastern New Mexico University.

Steve is very involved with his community and his church. He is also a life-long participant and supporter of 4-H where he has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.