SouthernWorldwide.com – Representative Gabe Vasquez, a Democrat from New Mexico, is facing strong criticism from Republican opponents regarding his past statements on law enforcement. These comments, which included calls to “deconstruct” and “defund” the police, have resurfaced, leading to accusations of hypocrisy, especially given his current pro-law enforcement stance.
Vasquez, who represents a vulnerable border district, has been described as a “moderate Democrat” and a “bipartisan player.” However, his voting record has also drawn scrutiny. He recently voted against a House resolution that expressed support for law enforcement and condemned efforts to defund the police, as well as sanctuary policies.
In the upcoming midterm elections, every congressional seat is crucial, especially in competitive districts like Vasquez’s in New Mexico, which is a prime target for the Republican party.
This week, Vasquez published an opinion piece in the Las Cruces Sun News, emphasizing his support for police officers. He stated that they “deserve thanks, support and funding” and highlighted his efforts to secure funding for local law enforcement. He also wrote that public recognition could never fully express the gratitude they deserve.
Despite these recent statements, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee called Vasquez’s actions “shameless hypocrisy” and stated that it would not deceive voters.
On June 1, 2020, in the wake of George Floyd’s death and amid widespread anti-police protests, Vasquez, who was then a Las Cruces city council member, made a social media post. He stated, “Black lives matter. Until we deconstruct and rebuild the systems of oppression that keep black people in perpetual harm, justice will not be served.”
He further elaborated, “that includes law enforcement, the economy, and the disgusting wealth inequality that keeps white rich men in power.”
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Additionally, a 2022 article by The Washington Free Beacon brought to light a local news interview from a 2020 George Floyd protest. In the interview, a masked individual resembling Vasquez, identified as “James Hall,” called for “serious police reform” and stated, “it’s not just about defunding police, it’s about defunding a system that privileges white people over everyone else.”
The report indicated that deleted social media screenshots showed Vasquez present at the same rally. A spokesperson for Vasquez confirmed that he was the individual in the interview, explaining that the news station attributed the name “James Hall” to him when he declined to give his name, wanting the focus to remain on the organizers.
More recently, during National Police Week, Vasquez voted against a resolution intended to honor law enforcement officers. This resolution praised their service, condemned “defund the police” rhetoric, criticized sanctuary city policies, and credited Trump-era policies with reducing violent crime.
Democrats argued that the resolution was overly partisan and politically motivated.
In his recent opinion piece, Vasquez detailed his visits with local law enforcement leaders, reiterating his commitment: “I will always stand with our law enforcement officers.”
He also highlighted specific funding he helped secure, including a $250,000 allocation for the Carlsbad Police Department, a $1.06 million investment for Albuquerque’s Real Time Crime Center, and a $500,000 investment for technology and training upgrades at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
Vasquez emphasized that beyond gratitude and admiration, law enforcement officers “need and deserve resources, investments, and funding.”
His spokesperson added, “This year alone, Vasquez singlehandedly brought $1.8 million home for local police departments from Albuquerque to Carlsbad to pay for technology, station upgrades and facilities for more officers to keep themselves and New Mexicans safe.”
The campaign also pointed to a recent speech Vasquez delivered on the House floor, honoring Doña Ana County Deputy Sheriff Antonio Aleman, who was killed in the line of duty in 2025.
However, his critics believe his past statements will negatively impact him in the upcoming elections.
Jayne Cunningham, a Marine veteran and a 20-year law enforcement officer in New Mexico, is running unopposed in the Republican primary for the seat. He stated, “He spent years parroting the same anti-police rhetoric that gutted morale and hollowed out departments across this country. Now, six months out from an election, he writes a love letter to law enforcement and hopes nobody remembers the rest.”
Cunningham added, “I remember. So do the officers I served alongside for years on the streets of Albuquerque. I know what it’s like to work a drug case at three in the morning. I know what these drugs are doing to New Mexico families, because I spent my career going after the people pushing them. And I know the difference between a politician who shows up for a Police Week photo op and a leader who has his officers’ backs the other 51 weeks of the year.”
He concluded, “when I get to Washington, the men and women wearing the badge in NM-02 will finally have something they have not had in this seat. One of their own.”
