Rep. Gabriel Vasquez, D-N.M., a Democrat in a competitive reelection race, has shifted his public stance on energy production, moving from past calls to limit fossil fuels to now advocating for an "all of the above" energy approach.
In a 2021 interview, Vasquez stated, "We have to champion a whole bunch of different policies to really mitigate the impact of climate change." He elaborated on this by discussing "the electrification of our fleet systems, for example, across our federal government and even our local government here in the city of Las Cruces, the electrification of residential developments... limiting the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels and carbon-based fuels and replacing them with electric."
These past comments have resurfaced as Vasquez campaigns for his third term in a closely contested congressional district. His campaign materials now emphasize support for all energy forms, citing high prices. "Rep. Vasquez stands by the energy workers in the Permian Basin who fuel America’s energy economy. He believes in an all-of-the-above approach with oil and gas and clean energy to diversify our economy and bring more jobs to New Mexico," according to his website.
When asked about the apparent shift, Vasquez's campaign stated that the congressman stands by his current position. "Gabe is proud of his record on the City Council and his advocacy for clean energy, clean air and clean water. In Congress, he continues to support an all-of-the-above energy approach," said Patricia Santiago, a spokesperson for the campaign.
New Mexico's economy has a significant reliance on the energy industry, particularly the Permian Basin, which is one of the world's largest oil and gas regions. According to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, the industry generates $13.1 billion in total revenue, with approximately $7.5 billion contributing to the state's general fund, according to the state Department of Finance and Administration.
Greg Cunningham, a former law enforcement agent and Vasquez's challenger, criticized the congressman's past statements. "Progressives like Gabe Vasque are first in line to spend our oil and gas money, and then they run around and shame the very industry that funds our schools, builds our roads and gives more than 100,000 New Mexicans a good-paying job. You don’t get to cash the check and trash the people who wrote it," Cunningham stated. He added, "Energy is and will continue to be the lifeblood of New Mexico."
In 2021, Vasquez also acknowledged that a transition away from fossil fuels would require preparation. "We also have to make sure we lay down the path into renewable energy, and that means in places like the Permian Basin, where the economy is strongly dominated by fossil fuel extraction, that we prepare the workforce for a transition into a renewable energy workforce," he said at the time. He noted that such a transition would not happen immediately, stating, "That doesn’t mean next year, that doesn’t mean in five to ten years. We have to be much smarter."
Vasquez last won his reelection bid in 2024 with a 52.1% to 47.9% victory over Yvette Herrell.