Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., a Democrat in a battleground district facing re-election, has voiced concerns that outdoor recreation has historically been dominated by White males and advocated for greater "equitable access" for people of color. These statements were made in podcast appearances prior to his election to Congress.
In a June 2020 appearance on the "Mountain & Prairie" podcast, Vasquez, who had previously described New Mexico as "stolen land," praised national conservation organizations for adopting policies aimed at increasing outdoor access for minority groups. He remarked that "spaces that have been traditionally White will no longer be White" and that "secret spots will no longer be secret." He urged listeners to "embrace" the diversification of outdoor enthusiasts, stating, "hunters and anglers and hikers and everybody in between will look different."
Vasquez also criticized conservation groups he perceived as lacking diversity, pointing to the New Mexico Wildlife Federation where, at the time, he stated, "every single executive director... up until today has been a White male." He suggested a lack of "cultural connection" or "authentic desire to communicate or connect with Hispanic communities."
In 2017, Vasquez co-founded Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, an organization focused on environmental justice and making outdoor spaces more equitable. He was first elected to the House in 2022.
Republicans have highlighted Vasquez's past remarks on race and law enforcement as they seek to unseat him in the Second Congressional District of New Mexico, a district that voted for Donald Trump by a narrow margin in 2024. The Republican National Committee has characterized Vasquez's views as "DEI-fueled racism" and "woke nonsense."
In a separate interview from 2020, Vasquez reportedly stated that racism was embedded in "just about every part of life." Around the same time, he expressed openness to licensed psychologists taking over some law enforcement duties. He also posted on Twitter criticizing "White rich men" in the wake of George Floyd's death, stating, "Until we deconstruct and rebuild the systems of oppression that keep Black people in perpetual harm, justice will not be served," and that this included "law enforcement, the economy, and the disgusting wealth inequality that keeps white rich men in power."
During a June 2022 interview on "The Trail Ahead" podcast, Vasquez shared an anecdote about experiencing racism and claimed White individuals received preferential treatment in conservation work. He stated that he had "missed out on a whole lot of opportunities just because I've asked for compensation," contrasting it with how "a White consultant working with a major brand or a major nonprofit" would be paid for their services. He added that people often expect contributions from people of color "not of monetary value."
Vasquez is set to face Republican Greg Cunningham, a retired police officer and Marine veteran, in the November general election. The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as "Lean Democrat," a shift from "Toss Up."