Thursday Photo Blog: New Mexico's DC House Trio

Stansbury, Vasquez and Leger Fernandez

Here they are--the three members of the New Mexico US House for 2023-24, including newcomer Gabe Vasquez whose addition flips the delegation from all female to include a Hispanic man from the southern congressional district. That's a first in the history of the 2nd CD that dates back to 1969.

Vasquez, 38, is also the first Millennial man in the NM DC delegation that also includes Dem Senators Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich. 

Like a true Millenial and in contrast to the baby boomers, Vasquez did a lot of job hopping before landing his dream job this month when he defeated GOP US Rep. Yvette Herrell:

From 2008 to 2011, he was the business editor of the Las Cruces Bulletin. In 2011, he was the executive director of the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. From 2013 to 2015, he served as a field representative for then-Congressman Martin Heinrich. In 2015 and 2016, Vasquez was the vice president of communications for First Focus, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization. From 2016 to 2018, he was the director of community relations for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. In 2018 and 2019, he was the deputy director of New Mexico's chapter of the Wilderness Society. From 2019 to 2021, he worked as deputy director of the Western Conservation Foundation in the federal lands department. From 2017 to 2021, he served as a member of the Las Cruces City Council.

That's a whole lot of moving going on but now Vasquez has a good shot at longer term employment. 

While the Dems don't have a lock on the 2nd CD it does lean their way and Vasquez has already shown the flexibility needed to appeal to a diverse constituency that includes oil fields and environmental treasures. 

He will take the oath in January and is preparing for his two year term:

I’m pleased to announce that Rebecca Avitia, Senator Heinrich’s Chief of Staff, and Nayomi Valdez, former District Director for US Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, will be leading my transition.

ABQ Rep. Melanie Stansbury, 42, and northern Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, 63, are also celebrating their election to brand new districts. But they now have the challenge of being in the minority as the GOP took control of the House this cycle. 

Fernandez was aided in her re-elect by veteran NM and DC political operative Dan Sena and his team. They came up with widely praised TV spots for the congresswoman who was justifiably nervous in seeking her second two year term in a new district. Sena also has close ties to Sen. Ben Ray Lujan.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2022