Silver City, NM — New Mexico State Senator Gabriel Ramos (R-Silver City) today called out U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez for what he described as a troubling but predictable pattern: saying whatever is politically convenient, then doing the opposite when it matters for New Mexicans.
"Gabe Vasquez marched in the streets and called for defunding the police -- on camera, in his own words," said Senator Ramos. "Then he went to Congress and voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security. He called the crisis on our southern border a 'non-existent threat,' while officers right here in New Mexico were pulling fentanyl off the roads and keeping our families safe. And now, right on schedule as the election approaches, his staff has to remind him to post something nice about law enforcement. New Mexicans are not fooled."
Senator Ramos argued that this kind of political shape-shifting has real consequences. When elected officials do not consistently stand behind law enforcement, it emboldens bad policy and further worsens our state's public safety crisis. Earlier this year, Senator Ramos opposed House Bill 9 of 2026, controversial legislation he warned would undermine public safety and run afoul of the law. He was right; the bill has faced serious legal challenges since becoming law. That fight, Senator Ramos said, is what principled leadership actually looks like.
"There is a difference between a politician who changes his stripes when the cameras are on and a leader who takes a clear stand even when it is not politically easy," Senator Ramos said. "I opposed House Bill 9 because it jeopardized public safety for New Mexican families and handcuffed the brave officers sworn to protect them."
Senator Ramos closed with a direct message to the people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.
"The officers in this district show up every single day…not just during election season. They deserve leadership that does the same," he said. "Principled leadership means standing for something consistently, not waiting to see which way the wind blows. Congressman Vasquez has shown us exactly who he is. It is time New Mexico held him accountable for it."
