Congressman’s Previous Controversies and Police Reform Views Called Out

Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s past controversies and stance on police reform are under intense scrutiny as he faces a tough reelection campaign.

At a Glance

Vasquez faced accusations of using a false name during a 2020 BLM protest interview, which were allegedly debunked.
Past incidents, including threats to a fellow student and legal issues, have resurfaced.
Vasquez’s position on police reform has become a focal point in the campaign.
Republicans accuse Vasquez of supporting “defund the police,” which he denies.
The race for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District has intensified with controversial attack ads.

Controversy Over 2020 Interview

Rep. Gabe Vasquez, representing New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, finds himself at the center of a political storm as his past and his stance on police reform come under intense scrutiny. The controversy began when the Washington Free Beacon accused Vasquez of using a false name during a 2020 television interview at a Black Lives Matter protest. This allegation quickly gained traction in political circles and became the subject of attack ads.

However, KVIA-TV, the station that conducted the interview, later claimed that Vasquez did not use a fake name, attributing the confusion to a technical error. Despite this clarification, the National Republican Congressional Committee labeled Vasquez a “liar” and accused him of supporting efforts to defund the police. Vasquez’s campaign confirmed his participation in the interview but did not explain why he didn’t initially identify himself.

Vasquez’s Stance on Police Reform

Vasquez’s position on police reform has become a central issue in his reelection campaign. While he has advocated for reform, he has publicly opposed defunding the police and supported police budget increases during his tenure on the city council. However, his participation in events where “defund the police” slogans were present has led to criticism from opponents.

“We need serious police reform in this country. It’s not just about defunding the police, it’s about defunding a system that privileges white people over everybody else.” – Vasquez said to KVIA.

This statement has been used by his opponents to paint him as anti-police, despite Vasquez’s repeated denials of supporting the defund movement. His opponent, Yvette Herrell, has emphasized her support from law enforcement and accused Vasquez of wanting to defund the police, making law enforcement support a key issue in the campaign.

Past Controversies Resurface

As the race intensifies, past incidents from Vasquez’s life have resurfaced, adding fuel to the political fire. In 2005, Vasquez was reported to have threatened to “kill” and “bury” a fellow student at New Mexico State University during a dispute. Vasquez admitted to making the threatening call but apologized, citing distress over a friend’s death from alcohol poisoning.

Other legal issues have also come to light, including a noise complaint arrest in 2005 and a failure to appear in court in 2002 for driving without insurance, which led to a warrant executed in 2023. Vasquez has also faced accusations of using a racial slur in a separate incident, which he denies.

Impact on the Campaign

The controversies surrounding Vasquez have intensified the race for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. Political experts suggest that crime and law enforcement support are key voter issues, and the ongoing controversies could negatively impact Vasquez’s campaign. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican PAC, has funded attack ads against Vasquez, highlighting these issues.

Vasquez’s campaign manager has accused opponent Yvette Herrell of using past incidents to distract from her political record. As the election approaches, voters in New Mexico’s 2nd District will have to weigh these controversies against Vasquez’s record and policy positions, making this race one of the most closely watched in the upcoming election cycle.