UMVA has learned that a stunning revelation about Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez's past stance on law enforcement has sparked intense criticism, with many accusing him of hypocrisy. Vasquez, who represents a highly vulnerable New Mexico swing district, has been touting his support for law enforcement, but old posts and interviews have resurfaced, revealing a much more complicated history.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Vasquez's past statements have come under fire, particularly a 2020 social media post in which he called for the systems of oppression to be "deconstructed" and specifically mentioned law enforcement. This has led to accusations that Vasquez is trying to hide his true views on law enforcement, and that his recent attempts to curry favor with police officers are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to salvage his reputation.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Vasquez's critics are seizing on his past statements, saying they contradict his current stance on law enforcement. A recent opinion piece in which Vasquez praised police officers and touted his support for funding and resources has done little to quell the criticism. Instead, it has only fueled accusations of hypocrisy, with many pointing out that Vasquez voted against a House resolution expressing support for law enforcement officers and condemning "defund the police" efforts.
In a 2020 interview, a masked man resembling Vasquez said, "We need serious police reform in this country," and added that it's not just about defunding police, but about defunding a system that privileges white people over everyone else. While Vasquez's campaign spokesperson has argued that his record on public safety speaks for itself, pointing to millions of dollars in funding he secured for local police departments, his critics remain unconvinced.
The controversy has significant implications for Vasquez's re-election bid, with Republicans eager to capitalize on the perceived hypocrisy. His opponent, Greg Cunningham, a Marine veteran and 20-year New Mexico law enforcement officer, has seized on the issue, asserting that Vasquez is trying to erase his past rhetoric and hide his true views on law enforcement. The contest is shaping up to be a fierce battle, with the GOP hoping to pick up a crucial seat in the House of Representatives.
Cunningham has stated that Vasquez wants New Mexicans to forget who he really is, and that he spent years parroting anti-police rhetoric that gutted morale and hollowed out departments across the country. He added that he knows what it's like to work a drug case at three in the morning and that he understands 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.
As the midterm elections approach, Vasquez's critics are gearing up to make his past statements a major issue. With the GOP holding a razor-thin majority in the House, every competitive seat is critical, and Vasquez's vulnerability has made him a top target for Republicans. Whether Vasquez can overcome the criticism and convince voters of his commitment to law enforcement remains to be seen.
