Heather Wilson

About Heather Wilson

Heather A. Wilson (born December 30, 1960), is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives representing New Mexico's 1st congressional district from 1998 to 2008. She is the second female veteran to be elected to Congress. Much of Wilson's legislative focus has been on national security issues. She opted not to run for re-election in 2008 and sought the U.S. Senate seat of retiring senator Pete Domenici but finished second in the Republican primary.

Born in Keene, New Hampshire, Wilson joined the United States Air Force at the age of seventeen, graduating four years later as a Distinguished Graduate (magna cum laude equivalent) from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1982. A Rhodes Scholar, she continued her education at Jesus College, Oxford University, earning a D.Phil.. in International Relations.

Upon leaving the Air Force in 1989, Wilson became Director for European Defense Policy and Arms Control on the National Security Council. After leaving government, she founded Keystone International, Inc. in 1991 to promote business development in the United States and Russia. She was the Secretary of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Family Department.