Democrats in the News

April 21-27, 2025

NM Democrats pick teachers union official as new state party chairwoman (Albuquerque Journal)

April 26 - With a key election cycle on the horizon, New Mexico Democrats on Saturday picked Sara Attleson to lead the party for the next two years. Attleson, a school librarian and teachers union fundraising official, received 38.8% of the ranked choice vote points to win election as party chairwoman, edging three other candidates.

Juan Sanchez announces public land commissioner candidacy (NM Source)

April 25 - Sanchez so far is the only candidate for land commissioner in the 2026 election. Voters twice sent current Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard to the State Land Office, and so the state constitution term-limits her from running again. 

Heinrich, Colleagues Demand Social Security Head Keep New Mexico’s Offices Open (Office of Senator Heinrich)

April 24 - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined over 100 congressional Democrats in sending a letter to Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Leland Dudek to demand that he keep New Mexico’s Social Security field offices open. 

Luján: President Trump’s Reckless Economic Agenda Threatens New Mexicans’ Livelihoods (Office of Senator Lujan)

April 24 - “In less than 100 days, President Trump’s reckless economic agenda has New Mexicans on edge and worried about their livelihoods.”

New Mexico joins Oregon suit against Trump, administration to block tariffs (NM Source)

April 23 - The attorneys general — from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont as well as Oregon— are challenging four of Trump’s executive orders.

U.S. Sen. Luján town hall attendees worry about education, social security, democracy (NM Source)

April 23 - Attendees at a town hall hosted by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) Tuesday night at Santa Fe Community College brought questions and concerns on a variety of topics, but the Trump administration served as the unifying thread.

Vasquez's campaign rakes in over $200k (Roswell Daily Record)

April 22 - The reelection campaign of U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) took in over $200,000 in the first months of the year as he fights to hold onto his seat in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country.

New Mexico AG announces ‘wide-ranging’ investigation into child welfare agency (NM Source)

April 22 - New Mexico’s top state prosecutor says he will begin a formal investigation into what led up to the death of an Albuquerque teenager and the broader problems at the state’s beleaguered child welfare agency.

Las Cruces City Council approves resolution updating RoadRunner Transit's Title VI programs (KRWG)

April 21 - During Monday’s meeting, the city council approved a resolution to update RoadRunner Transit’s triennial Title VI programs. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

NM delegation: Three national monuments could be reduced, eliminated (NM Source)

April 21 - In advance of an expected executive order on Tuesday, New Mexico’s federal delegation, led by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter on April 21 to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum requesting the federal government leave the state’s monuments intact.

New Mexico senator, congressman want more river protections (Albuquerque Journal)

April 21 - A new bill from Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Sen. Martin Heinrich would create more protection for the Gila River, the only free flowing river in New Mexico.

April 14-20, 2025

Race for New Mexico governor takes shape as field of candidates grows (Santa Fe New Mexican)

April 19 - Two high-profile Democrats — former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman — are already off and running.

Vasquez pledges to fight, looks to 2026 (Haussamen.com)

April 18 - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez didn’t disappoint during a town hall in Las Cruces on Tuesday…“I know 2026 seems like it’s far away, but right now we are laying the foundation for making sure we can hold this administration accountable in 2026,” Vasquez said.

Students, parents join New Mexico senator to push for new gun safety laws (NM Source)

April 18 - Christina Gill says life continues after losing someone to gun violence, but the pain remains and her experience of joy is different…Gill spoke on Wednesday morning at an event organized by New Mexico Democrat U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich’s office outside of Robert F. Kennedy Charter School’s middle school campus just outside the Albuquerque city limits, near the South Valley.

New Mexico groups cheer reintroduction of bill to protect Gila-area rivers and streams (NM Source)

April 18 - New Mexico Democrats U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez on Friday announced the reintroduction of the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, which would designate approximately 450 miles of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers and their tributaries “wild and scenic rivers.” 

Heinrich: Federal job cuts harming veterans (New Mexico Political Report)

April 17 - Ill-considered Trump administration budget cuts and staff reductions in the name of efficiency are having profound negative impacts on veterans in New Mexico and elsewhere, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich said Wednesday.

Indivisible Las Cruces holds pro-immigrant rally (KRWG)

April 17 - Dozens of protestors lined up outside of the U.S. Border Patrol Station on Main Street in Las Cruces to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s current immigration crackdown.

Cuts to New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership reversed after letter by U.S. Rep. Vasquez, others (New Mexico Political Report)

April 17 - “While I am glad that the administration reversed this shortsighted decision, it should not get credit for fixing a problem it created,” Vasquez said in a statement.

Amanda López Askin launches campaign for New Mexico Secretary of State (Organ Mountain News)

April 17 - Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin has launched her campaign for New Mexico Secretary of State, pledging to defend voting access, fight misinformation and expand civic engagement.

Heinrich holds roundtable with educators to discuss public education concerns (New Mexico Political Report)

April 16 - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich hosted a roundtable discussion with educators in Rio Rancho on Wednesday to address concerns about federal funding cuts and their impact on public education.

Business owners tell Sen. Luján tariffs are creating uncertainty in the future (KUNM)
April 16 - Democratic U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján hosted a roundtable discussion Tuesday in Albuquerque with business leaders on President Trump’s implementation of tariffs and their impacts, and the prevailing theme was uncertainty.

U.S. Rep. Vasquez decries president’s order to militarize parts of U.S.-Mexico border in NM (NM Source)

April 14 - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-New Mexico) on Monday called militarizing the U.S.-Mexico border “misguided and wasteful,” following President Donald Trump’s direction late last week authorizing a military buffer zone stretching from California to New Mexico.

New Mexico expands health insurance coverage for diabetic foot ulcer treatments (NM Source)

April 14 - Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 7 signed into law House Bill 233, which requires state-regulated health insurance plans to pay for medically necessary treatments for diabetic foot ulcers starting in 2026.

April 7-13, 2025

AG Torrez joins lawsuit over federal education funds (NM Source)

April 11 - New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez on Friday announced the state has joined a coalition of 15 other AGs, along with Pennsylvania Gov. Democrat Josh Shapiro in a lawsuit over a recent U.S. Department of Education cancellation of funds for three programs funded through the American Rescue Act to help vulnerable school children recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: the Homeless Children and Youth; Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund; and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools programs.

DA Sam Bregman enters race for governor (NM Source)

April 10 - Albuquerque’s top prosecutor Sam Bregman announced his candidacy for governor early Thursday, but said he will not step down from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s office during the campaign. Bregman is the second candidate to vie for the Democratic nomination, which will be decided by voters in a June 2026 primary election. 

Heinrich re-introduces gun safety legislation in Congress (NM Source)

April 9 - U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is co-sponsoring the first bill, called the GOSAFE Act, which would regulate the sale, transfer and manufacture of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms. He introduced the same legislation in 2023.

New Mexico Democratic Party chair denounces HHS Secretary RFK Jr. as he visits state (NM Source)

April 9 - As U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was visiting a conservative charter school in Gallup on Wednesday morning, the head of New Mexico’s Democratic Party held a news conference to denounce Kennedy as a “conspiracy theorist and an amateur cabinet secretary.”

New Mexico eliminates parole fees (NM Source)

April 8 - Starting on June 20, New Mexicans who are on supervised release from prison will no longer have to pay parole fees under a new law Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed on Monday.

New Mexico delegation re-introduces bill to protect Pecos watershed (NM Source)

April 8 - Four Democratic members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation on Tuesday announced they have reintroduced the Pecos Watershed Protect Act. 

First Las Cruces City Council Meeting since Young Park shooting yields emotional responses (KRWG)

April 7 - District 1 councilor Cassie McClure gave an emotional statement in regards to the Young Park shooting, with a plea to the younger people who attend city council meetings.

March 31 - April 6, 2025

Hands Off! Demonstration in Las Cruces (Las Cruces Sun News)

April 6 - Over a thousand people showed up for the peaceful "Hands Off" protest in Las Cruces on Saturday afternoon.

Heinrich, Luján back bill to fully fund special education for students with disabilities (Organ Mountain News)

April 6 - New Mexico's U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján are co-sponsoring legislation to meet the federal government's original funding commitment to special education under the IDEA.

Heinrich Fights Against Trump-Musk Handouts to Billionaires at the Expense of New Mexico Families (Office of Senator Heinrich)

April 5 - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Senate Republicans’ budget resolution that funds Donald Trump and Elon Musk's tax handouts for billionaires at the expense of working people. 

Vasquez, Booker introduce bill to prevent USDA from freezing farm contracts (Organ Mountain News)

April 5 - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., have introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025, a bill that would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fulfill existing contracts with farmers and prohibit the cancellation of agreements unless terms are violated.

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans advanced their partisan budget resolution (Office of Senator Lujan)

April 5 - On the heels of President Trump’s reckless tariffs and in the dark of night, Senate Republicans passed a partisan budget resolution that guts critical programs millions of Americans rely on – all to pass the next Trump Tax Scam.

Vasquez: “Our Public Lands Are Not for Sale” (Office of Rep. Vasquez)

April 4 - Let me be absolutely clear—our public lands are not for sale. New Mexicans cherish our open spaces, our national parks, and the public lands that fuel our outdoor economy and define us as Americans. Any attempt to sell these lands to the highest bidder is an attack on our way of life, our communities, and our future generations.

New Mexico joins lawsuit against Trump’s election order (NM Source)

April 4 - New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced Friday the state has joined 18 others in a new lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the federal Election Assistance Commission and other Trump Administration officials over Trump’s executive order regarding elections, which includes new rules requiring voters produce proof of citizenship and that all mail-in ballots be received by Election Day.

New Mexico AG Torrez files suit against Las Cruces business allegedly defrauding veterans (NM Source)

April 3 - Torrez filed a civil suit against Disabled Veterans Consultants, Inc. Thursday claiming the company violated the Unfair Practices Act by using unfair and deceptive trade practices and unconscionable trade practices.

Sen. Heinrich Statement on Senate Vote to Block Select Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel (Office of Senator Heinrich)

April 3 - While Israel undoubtedly has the right to defend itself, it must follow U.S. and international humanitarian law. Right now, Israel is acting in direct violation of the requirements mandated under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act.

Luján: President Trump’s Reckless Tariffs Will Make Life More Expensive for Families and Put New Mexico Jobs at Risk (Office of Senator Lujan)

April 2 - President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are a tax on hardworking New Mexicans. From the cost of groceries, to the price at the pump, to buying a car or building a home, these new tariffs will make daily life more expensive for many New Mexico families and businesses.

NM delegation demands data on state’s fired federal employees (NM Source)

April 1 - All five members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation signed a letter sent Tuesday to the federal Office of Personnel Management, calling on the agency to provide as much information as possible about federal firings that members said “threaten the effective functioning of critical federal services and will harm our constituents.”

New Mexico joins 22 states suing over health funding cuts (NM Source)

April 1 - New Mexico on Tuesday joined a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration in Rhode Island federal court challenging billions in lost funding to state health departments — including about $60 million to New Mexico.

March 24-30, 2025

New Mexico lawmakers pass bill allowing immigrants to work as police (NM Source)

March 28 - State lawmakers sent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham a bill that would, if enacted, allow immigrants authorized to work by the federal government to become police officers in New Mexico.

Luján: Attacks on Social Security Will Endanger Monthly Checks for Over Half a Million New Mexicans (Office of Senator Lujan)

March 28 - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) sounded the alarm on ongoing attacks on Social Security from Elon Musk and President Trump that will endanger monthly Social Security checks for over 500,000 New Mexico seniors, people with disabilities, and families who rely on their monthly checks to live, pay rent, buy food and make ends meet.

Rep. Gabe Vasquez Condemns Attacks on Social Security (Office of Representative Vasquez)

March 27 - “Social Security isn’t a handout—it’s a promise we’ve made to every American who has paid into the system,” said Vasquez.

Organizers say Las Cruces reproductive health center expected to open in late summer 2026 (NM Source)

March 27 - The Center for Reproductive Health is part of a $10 million capital outlay project requested by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and approved in 2023 to expand access to reproductive health care in Southern New Mexico.

Heinrich Joins MSNBC to Discuss Signalgate (MSNBC)

March 27 – “When you have the Director of the CIA, when you have the DNI, just brazenly lying to Congress, how could they not think that this wasn't going to come out at some point, or that we wouldn't get to the bottom of it? It is deeply disappointing.”

Luján Statement on Trump Administration Gutting HHS (Office of Senator Lujan)

March 27 - “Amid a nationwide measles outbreak, with bird flu spreading worldwide, and as a significant number of Americans face a substance use or mental health conditions, now is not the time to fire our nation’s health workers, ravage our nation’s top health agency, and cut critical resources that support state health services.”

Two New Mexico lawmakers get good grades in congressional report card (Center for Effective Lawmaking)

March 26 - Sen. Martin Heinrich was more effective than the average senator and Rep. Gabe Vasquez exceeded expectations as a freshman lawmaker during the 118th Congress, according to a report from the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking released Tuesday.

Melanie Stansbury Sounds Off On House GOP Over Appliance Bills (Forbes)

March 25 - During debate on the House floor, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) tore into House Republicans and voiced her opposition to a package of bills regarding commercial appliance standards.

DA’s office says teens pose risk to public as investigation into March 21 shooting continues (Organ Mountain News)

March 25 - All three juvenile defendants charged in connection with the March 21 shooting at Young Park will remain in custody pending further court proceedings, according to Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando R. Macias.

Vasquez calls for bipartisan solutions to address juvenile crime after Las Cruces shooting (Las Cruces Sun News)

March 24 - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez offered condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the Young Park shooting, and praised first responders for their response.

March 17-23, 2025

Congressman Gabe Vasquez issues statement on 'tragedy' at Young Park in Las Cruces (KRWG)

March 22 - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez issued an emailed statement on Saturday on the deadly shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces that as of Saturday left at least three dead and 15 injured. The Second District Democratic Congressman is calling the incident a "horrific tragedy."

3 dead, more than a dozen injured in mass shooting at New Mexico park (USA Today)

March 22 - "This was a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning," Johana Bencomo, Las Cruces mayor pro tem and city councilor for District 4, said in a social media post.

Heinrich Demands Education Secretary Immediately Reinstate Federal Funding to Strengthen Teacher Workforce & Improve Student Learning (Office of Senator Heinrich)

March 21 - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and 22 Democratic senators sent a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanding that the Education Department immediately reinstate $600 million in federal funding intended to strengthen our educator workforce and improve student learning. 

Trump administration reported to consider expanding military role along southern border (NM Source)

March 20 - Rep. Gabe Vasquez, also a New Mexico Democrat, said in a statement the reported plan is “yet another reckless and wasteful proposal that does nothing to fix our broken immigration system.”

Luján Reintroduces Legislation to Crack Down on Robocalls, Protect Americans from Scams (Office of Senator Lujan)

March 20 - “Every American with a phone knows how annoying it is to be bombarded by robocalls that only offer unwanted scams and threats to personal privacy. Robocalls aren’t just a nuisance, they also scam Americans out of millions of dollars every year,” said Senator Luján. 

City of Las Cruces unveils plan to revitalize deteriorated neighborhoods (KFOX14)

March 19 - On Monday, the Las Cruces City Council approved a resolution identifying the following four areas the City wants to revitalize: Amador Proximo and South area, Apodaca and Lift-Up area, East of Solano neighborhood area, Mesquite District area.

Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Reverse Chaos & Damage Created by Trump & Musk at the VA, Reinstate Veterans Fired by DOGE & Protect Veteran Benefits (Office of Senator Heinrich)

March 18 - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, introduced the Putting Veteran’s First Act, legislation that reverses the chaos and damage created at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).

U.S. Sens. Luján, Heinrich and others push back at USDA funding cuts (NM Source)

March 18 - New Mexico Democratic U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, along with 30 of their colleagues on Tuesday wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in response to the department’s cancellation of $1 billion in funding for programs connecting farmers with food banks and schools.

U.S. Sen. Luján spreads word of efforts to combat Trump administration, GOP (NM Source)

March 17 - U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) pledged to protect federal spending that pays for medical care for many seniors and benefits for people with disabilities Monday, and denounced proposed cuts to federal programs by billionaire Elon Musk and Republican lawmakers.

March 10-16, 2025

Heinrich, Luján Vote Against Republicans’ Effort to Hand Trump and Musk More Tools to Harm New Mexicans  (Office of Senator Martin Heinrich)

March 14 - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following joint statement after voting against Republicans’ yearlong Continuing Resolution, which removes nearly all guardrails on federal funding and gives the Trump administration and Elon Musk unprecedented tools to harm New Mexico families: “Republicans’ yearlong Continuing Resolution doubles down on the chaos and uncertainty Trump and Musk have created, giving them even more tools to harm New Mexicans. We will not stand by and support Republicans’ unprecedented power grab masquerading as a spending bill.”

Democrats launch national town hall series targeting competitive GOP-held districts (NM Source)

March 14 - The Democratic National Committee and other campaign groups will roll out events in Republican-held U.S. House districts beginning Friday, aiming to focus attention on GOP incumbents advised to skip town halls amid blowback over President Donald Trump’s moves in his first months back in office.

Legislative Update from State Senator Jeff Steinborn (Senator Steinborn)

March 14 – New Mexico Senator Steinborn provided an update with one week left in the state’s legislative session.

Heinrich ‘Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act’ Passes Senate (Office of Senator Martin Heinrich)

March 14 - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, passed the Senate. This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement added tools to help get extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets to keep New Mexicans safe.

New Mexico House passes legislative modernization measures (Organ Mountain News)

March 13 - “The people of New Mexico deserve modern and transparent processes in their state government,” said Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, the lead sponsor of both resolutions. “By standardizing our session lengths, removing outdated restrictions on legislation and requiring more checks and balances on vetoes, we can better serve the people of our state.”

Big Tech lobbies New Mexico for AG-backed bill (NM Source)

March 13 - Two competing data privacy bills pending at the New Mexico Legislature appear aimed at protecting residents’ information online. Both bills, if passed and signed into law, would protect New Mexicans’ personal data from disclosure without their consent, including information such as religious faith, consumer spending, health care and citizenship status. 

The most likely Medicaid cuts would hit rural areas the hardest (NM Source)

March 12 - New Mexico has the highest percentage of residents on Medicaid in the U.S. Working-age adults who live in small towns and rural areas are more likely to be covered by Medicaid than their counterparts in cities, creating a dilemma for Republicans looking to make deep cuts to the health care program.

Heinrich, Luján Call on Trump Administration to Halt and Reverse Contract Cancellations Impacting Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits (Office of Senator Martin Heinrich)

March 12 - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and 13 Senate Democrats to call on the Trump administration to reverse its cancellation of 585 contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including those that help veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins access lifesaving health care.

Luján Statement on Trump Administration Gutting the Department of Education (Office of Senator Ben Ray Lujan)

March 12 - “The Department of Education’s mission is to ensure access to education for students in every corner of our country—regardless of what zip code or tax bracket they were born into. For generations, the Department of Education has provided critical education to level the playing field and create opportunities for our students. More than ever, students, teachers, and parents need our support and President Trump and his administration are abandoning them.”

Luján Leads Colleagues In Demanding HHS Secretary Kennedy Launch National Vaccination Campaign To Stop Spread Of Measles And Save Lives (Office of Senator Ben Ray Lujan)

March 11 - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led 12 Senate colleagues in demanding that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. act immediately to stop the spread of measles and save lives. Measles, once declared eliminated in the U.S. over two decades ago, has infected at least 223 individuals in 13 U.S. jurisdictions. In New Mexico, at least 30 cases have been confirmed in Lea County.

Luján: Republican Budget Could Kick 260,000 New Mexicans Off Their Health Insurance (Office of Senator Ben Ray Lujan)

March 11 - “If Congressional Republicans succeed in passing their damaging budget package, over 260,000 New Mexicans could lose access to their health coverage. Despite promises from President Trump and Congressional Republicans to not cut Medicaid, they are now going back on their word to cut essential programs for working families to fund a tax scam for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. Medicaid is a lifeline for babies, mothers, and seniors, and the consequences of this bill would be devastating for New Mexico families. I will continue fighting to protect Medicaid against attacks from Elon Musk, President Trump, and Congressional Republicans.”

March 3-9, 2025

Luján, Heinrich Join Colleagues in Urging USDA to Reinstate Hispanic-Serving Institution Fellowship Program (Office of Senator Ben Ray Lujan)

March 7 - “USDA’s partnership with HSIs and Hispanic Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs) plays a vital role in establishing a collaborative relationship and creating a nationwide network of educators working with USDA to help grow the next generation of the American agricultural workforce,” wrote the Senators.

NM AG Torres discusses strategy against feds at Arizona town hall (NM Source)

March 6 - “What I hear from the president and Elon Musk and others is a language that is stripped of any humanity,” New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said of how the two men speak about federal employees. “We don’t ask them if they are Republican or Democrat. We don’t demean what they do.”

Heinrich: “Trump and Musk’s Public Lands Firings a Disaster” (Office of Senator Martin Heinrich)

Marcj 6 - “President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE illegal firings have targeted our Park Rangers, Refuge Managers, Forest Rangers, and BLM land managers,” said Heinrich.

Democrat Proclaims Viral Sign Was an 'SOS to the World' (LA Times)

March 6 - New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury expressed that "the things that [Trump and his administration] are doing are not only not normal, they are illegal," during a Wednesday appearance on CNN.

N.M. Delegation Oppose Plans to Use Kirtland & Fort Bliss for Immigration-Related Operations (Office of Senator Martin Heinrich)

March 6 - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth opposing the Trump administration's reported plans to use military installations, including Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) and Fort Bliss, to create a nationwide network of military detention facilities.

Luján, Rosen, Markey Introduce Legislation To Prevent The Political Weaponization Of The FCC (Los Alamos Daily News)

March 6 - U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) announced the introduction of the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast.

Tribal Water Rights Settlements Legislation Passes Unanimously Out of Senate Committee (Office of Representative Gabe Vasquez)

March 5 - “New Mexicans know the importance of safe and reliable water access, and today’s progress brings us one step closer to securing these fundamental resources for our Tribal communities. I’ll continue to honor my commitment to our Tribes and Pueblos to ensure they have the water infrastructure they need to thrive,” said Vasquez.

DOGE includes Carlsbad WIPP office on list for termination (NM Source)

March 4 - The building’s potential closure poses risks to both the environment and national security,  U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) said in a written statement. “The abrupt closure of the Skeen-Whitlock building would further strain our ability to manage nuclear waste effectively,” Vasquez said.

Some Democrats to skip Trump's joint address to Congress (ABC News)

March 4 - In a statement to ABC News, New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich said he is "not going to President Trump's Joint Address tonight. I'll start attending when he starts following the law."

Luján, Colleagues Press for Timely Disaster Assistance for All Farmers (Office of Senator Ben Ray Lujan)

March 3 - In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the Senators wrote: “Farmers are making decisions right now about fertilizer usage and their crop mix and are working with their bankers to figure out if they can secure the financing they need to continue farming this year. Without the timely delivery of economic and disaster assistance, farmers face the prospect of reducing plantings or liquidating assets to remain in business as they head into another potentially difficult growing season.”

Resolution to eliminate education cabinet secretary position advances (Organ Mountain News)

March 1 - A proposal to amend the New Mexico Constitution and reconfigure public education governance passed the Senate Education Committee Friday and advances to the Senate Finance Committee. Senate Joint Resolution 3, sponsored by Sen. Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces), chair of the Senate Education Committee, received a do-pass by a vote of 7-2 by committee members…“Education needs consistent leadership at the top,” he said during the meeting.

New Mexico legislature passes Behavioral Health Trust Fund bill (Organ Mountain News)

March 1 - The New Mexico House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 1, a measure aimed at creating a long-term funding source for behavioral health services across the state…“No one should have to make 10 calls to find an appointment when they need behavioral health care, and that’s the reality that we are trying to change,” said House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, who sponsored the bill in the House.

February 24 - March 2, 2025

New Mexico AG says DOGE is ‘destabilizing the American system’ (MSNBC)

March 2, 2025 - New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez joins The Weekend to break down the efforts of state Attorneys General to meet with workers impacted by budget cuts on behalf of Musk’s DOGE. 

Las Cruces activist group chants ‘Musk must go’ during Tesla protest against DOGE (KVIA)

March 1, 2025 - Activist group, Indivisible Las Cruces say they are protesting Tesla charging stations because they don't support the Federal job cuts made by Elon Musk and The Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE.

Heinrich, Vasquez call for investigation into health center’s citizenship policy (Organ Mountain News)

February 28 - U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, both Democrats from New Mexico, are urging state Attorney General Raúl Torrez to investigate reports that Ben Archer Health Centers denied medical care to individuals unable to provide proof of citizenship.

Mother, health providers, lawmakers sound alarm over proposed Medicaid cuts (Source NM)

February 28, 2025 - “What Republicans are doing is they’re gutting these programs, they’re taking programs away from people, all so that they can give tax breaks to the most wealthy in the country,” U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) said at the news conference.

An interview with NM gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland (Source NM)

February 26, 2025 – “As governor, it would be my job to ensure that every single New Mexican feels safe: safe in their employment and in what they need to live their lives here…It’s hard to sit back and do nothing when you see that there is so much that is wrong about this administration…I know that here in New Mexico, we have some very strong communities, and I think we’re all going to have a part in lifting each other up, and I will continue to be a voice for people who don’t have a voice.”

N.M. Delegation Demands HHS Secretary Kennedy Take Immediate Action to Contain Measles Outbreak (Office of Representative Stansbury)

February 26, 2025 - U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding immediate action to contain the recent outbreak of measles in New Mexico.

New Mexico announces $5 billion investment in manufacturing (Source NM)

February 26, 2025 - The governor’s office says the project will bring 1,000 jobs to New Mexico, along with $5 billion in project construction spending over the next 10 years, $1.5 billion per year in IT equipment purchases and $230 million per year in manufacturing equipment.

Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on House Republicans’ Budget (Office of Representative Vasquez)

February 25, 2025 - “The House Republican budget is a direct attack on the people of New Mexico. Their plan rips away critical health care, makes it harder for families to put food on the table, and prioritizes billionaire tax cuts over everyday Americans.”

Rep. Gabe Vasquez Condemns Federal Employee Firings in House Floor Speech (YouTube)

February 25, 2025 - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez took to the House floor to denounce the mass firings of federal employees and funding freezes that are devastating families and communities in New Mexico and across the country.

Rep. Vasquez calls for answers from DHS on checkpoint incident (Organ Mountain News)

February 24, 2025 - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) has sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers about what happened. According to Vasquez, a Border Patrol agent boarded the bus after the driver was unable to respond in English. The agent allegedly ignored attempts by coaches to explain the situation and questioned students directly, leaving them shaken.

February 17-23, 2025

Las Cruces City Council approves new development code (Organ Mountain News)

February 23, 2025 - The Las Cruces City Council approved changes to zoning and building ordinances Tuesday, adopting a new development code for the first time in nearly 25 years.

How government cuts are already impacting New Mexico (KOAT)

February 21, 2025 - Opponents say the cuts are affecting things like Medicaid, homeless organizations, and education in tribal communities. Stansbury is the ranking Democrat on the House committee on downsizing and government efficiency, making her one of the leading opponents to many of the cuts.

Alleged ICE harassment of tribal members in New Mexico concern lawmakers (WGNO)

February 21, 2025 - “Whether it is simple ignorance or worse — outright disrespect for and harassment of tribal citizens — ICE’s law enforcement tactics reflect an abdication of U.S. trust and treaty responsibility with tribal nations and their citizens, and cannot stand,” the lawmakers headed by vice chair and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

New Mexico officials express alarm as Forest Service sees large layoffs (KRQE)

February 21, 2025 - There are growing concerns around how those changes are either already, or may soon have an impact on the state’s national parks, forests, and monuments. “20% of the federal workforce at Carlsbad Caverns National Park has been cut,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D).

Stansbury to NM’s fired federal workers: ‘Call my office, call your union, you have rights' (KUNM)

February 20, 2025 - Democratic New Mexico U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury is the ranking member of the House DOGE Subcommittee, charged with working with the White House department spearheading this effort.

State lawmakers demand end of mass firings of New Mexicans (KRQE)

February 19, 2025 - Representative Gabe Vasquez says federal employment is a major contributor to New Mexico’s economy, supporting thousands of families and generating significant local revenue. 

Haaland talks healthcare, safety and changing the game (Las Cruces Bulletin)

February 18, 2025 - "I'm running to make sure every new Mexican feels safe in their neighborhood. I'm running to lower costs and make sure we all have a share in our state's success. I'm running so our kids can enjoy learning and have opportunities right here in New Mexico when they're grown. I'm running to protect our state's beautiful landscapes and sacred spaces," she said.

Mapped: Medicaid recipients across the U.S. (Axios)

February 18, 2025 - Nationally, about one in five people have Medicaid, ranging from about 11% of people in Utah, on the low end, to 34% in New Mexico.

New Mexico farmers, tribes could feel impact of federal funding freezes, members of congress say (Albuquerque Journal)

February 17, 2025 - U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, specifically cited the impact of funding freezes on New Mexico agriculture, acequias and wind farm projects.

New Mexico’s federal lawmakers urge unity at the Roundhouse (KRQE)

February 17, 2025 - In a joint session of the New Mexico legislature at the Roundhouse, Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan (D) alongside Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (D) encouraged lawmakers to push ahead in unity. 

February 10-16, 2025

New Mexico candidate for governor Deb Haaland holds launch tour rally Sunday in Las Cruces (KRWG)

February 16, 2025 - Last week, former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced that she would be running for governor of New Mexico for 2026. She kicked off her statewide tour of nineteen cities and small towns in New Mexico on Thursday, stopping in Las Cruces Sunday morning.

Rep. Stansbury says there’s cause for alarm on possible dismantling of the Education Dept. (KQRE)

February 14, 2025 - The New Mexico Democrat said if Elon Musk and DOGE dismantle the Department of Education, the effects could be severe for New Mexico. 

Senators concerned that health care providers for Indian Health Services could be fired (Albuquerque Journal)

February 14, 2025 - Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich urged President Donald Trump not to lay off Indian Health Service staff, including health care providers, in a letter Friday.

14 States Sue DOGE, Blasting Musk's 'Unprecedented' Power as Unconstitutional (ABC News)

February 13, 2025 - Led by the state of New Mexico, the lawsuit argues -- in often dramatic terms -- that the Appointments Clause of the Constitution calls for someone with such significant and "expansive authority" as Musk to be formally nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Heinrich on RFK Jr.: "Snake Oil Salesman" (KSFR)

February 13, 2025 - New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich took to the Senate floor yesterday to voice strong opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the nation’s top health agency. 

Top Dem on DOGE subcommittee calls on Elon Musk to testify (Axios)

February 12, 2025 - Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), the top Democrat on the House's DOGE subcommittee, called on Elon Musk to testify before the body during its first meeting Wednesday.

U.S. Sen Heinrich: USDA funding and firefighter hiring freeze threatens communities (Tri City Record)

February 11, 2025 - In a letter sent Tuesday to the acting secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and colleagues put forth a list of concerns related to wildfires, including a halt of fund disbursement for forest management and restoration projects, and what they characterized as a universal hiring freeze that includes permanent and seasonal firefighters.

Luján Issues Statement On New Portal For Whistleblowers To Bring Attention To Potential Lawlessness (Los Alamos Daily Post)

February 11, 2025 - “In just three weeks, President Trump has shown New Mexicans that his administration is willing to disregard the rule of law, recklessly terminate civil servants, and disband government agencies that Americans depend on.”

February 3-9, 2025

U.S. Rep. Stansbury (D-N.M.) introduces ‘Nobody Elected Elon Musk Act’ (Source NM)

February 7, 2025 - U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) said she and Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) are introducing a bill to shield taxpayers from the financial repercussions of Elon Musk’s intrusion into the federal government: the Nobody Elected Elon Musk Act.

Vasquez slams tariffs on Mexico, calls for ‘real solutions’ to border security (KUNM)

February 6, 2025 - New Mexico U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez on Thursday criticized the potential trade war as harmful to the economy and unhelpful for border security.