Tom Udall, a former Congressman from the U.S. state of New Mexico, has been nominated as the new U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, The White House announced on Saturday.

His nomination has to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before he can take up his appointment based in Wellington. 

Mr. Udall, a Democrat, succeeds Scott Brown who served in the diplomatic post during former U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s administration. The post has been vacant since December 2020.

“Tom Udall is a terrific guy, good friend and great pick by the President of the United States to be the next ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa,” Mr. Brown said in a tweet on Saturday.

The incoming ambassador served in the U.S. Senate from 2009 to 2021. 

He also represented New Mexico in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 to 2009, according to information published by The Church of Jesus Christ that keeps track of Latter-day Saints who serve in the U.S. Congress.

"Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa is an important diplomatic post for the United States, for New Zealand, Samoa, and for the Indo-Pacific, and this position — working with one of our closest partners and allies — is integral as we work closely with New Zealand to confront the challenges facing our nations — including COVID-19, climate, and China,” reports the Santa Fe New Mexican.

The White House confirmed Mr. Udall’s selection in a “Nominee for Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand and to the Independent State of Samoa” statement.

“Tom Udall has a long and distinguished career in public service,” says The White House statement.

He most recently served two terms as United States Senator from New Mexico (2009-2021) and served five terms as United States Representative from New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District (1999-2009).  

While in office, Mr. Udall was a notable champion for the environment, for Native Americans, for government and election reform and for resolving international disputes peacefully, if possible.  

Earlier in his career, Mr. Udall was elected twice as Attorney General of New Mexico (1991-1999) and also served as an Assistant United States Attorney.  

His Senate Committee assignments included the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Indian Affairs, the Committee on Rules and Administration, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the International Narcotics Control Caucus.  

Mr. Udall has a B.A. degree from Prescott College, a Bachelor of Law from Cambridge University, and a J.D. from the University of New Mexico.