Las Cruces, NM – Today, on International Workers’ Day, NM-02 Congressman and Democratic nominee Gabe Vasquez announced that he earned the endorsement of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 18; American Federation of Teachers (AFT) New Mexico; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 611; and Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 29. These unions represent thousands of New Mexicans who have benefited from Gabe’s nonstop work to deliver results for working people.
“My whole life, my family has worked hard to put food on the table and to provide a decent life for my siblings and me,” said Congressman Gabe Vasquez. “That’s why in Congress, I strongly support unions and workers’ rights to unionize, and have always fought to lower the cost of living, expand access to affordable healthcare, and create a fair economy. I know that our laborers and our educators are the backbone of our communities– we need to fight for them and I am ready to go back to Congress to continue the fight.”
Gabe has been a champion for working people, strengthening workers’ ability to organize and bargain within the state. In Congress, Gabe has cosponsored and voted for H.R. 2550, the Protect America’s Workforce Act; cosponsored H.R. 20, the PRO Act; and supported funding for the National Labor Relations Board in the annual appropriations process.
“Congressman Vasquez has been a rock-solid ally of AFSCME members and all New Mexico workers in Congress. He always fights to get resources to New Mexican workers even when some in Washington are cutting funds to critical services that AFSCME members provide,” said Executive Director of AFSCME Council 18 and Deputy Director of AFSCME Organizing Committee Connie Derr.
“Now, more than ever, we need voices in Washington advocating for New Mexican values and federal policies that work on behalf of the average American,” said President of AFT New Mexico Whitney Holland. “Gabe knows the value of a strong system of public education from birth through college or career, and that labor unions are the best pathway to achieving and preserving a strong middle class in our country. We trust Gabe will continue to put New Mexicans first while serving in Washington, and our union will work to ensure he is elected to continue to work on behalf of our state.”
IBEW Local Union 611 Business Manager Alfonso Martinez Jr. added, “The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 611 is proud to endorse Gabe Vasquez for Congress – NM CD 2. Congressman Vasquez has proven, with his hard work and thoughtful approach to issues facing New Mexico, that he is the right leader, at this time, to move us forward into the future.”
Just this year alone, Gabe secured over $14 million in infrastructure improvements and critical investments in the district, resulting in thousands of good paying jobs and a stronger New Mexico economy.
“SMART Local 49 is proud to stand with Congressman Gabe Vasquez as he continues to fight for working families across New Mexico,” said SMART Local 49 Business Manager Isaiah Zemke. “Gabe understands that protecting registered apprenticeship programs, investing in infrastructure, improving indoor air quality, and upholding strong labor standards are critical to building a skilled workforce and sustaining good union jobs. His leadership reflects the priorities of our members and our communities. We support his reelection because he shows up, listens, and delivers on the issues that matter most to working people.”
Congressman Gabe Vasquez is the only Democrat to have won New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District twice consecutively. In 2022, he beat incumbent Yvette Herrell by the tightest margin in the country (0.7%). Last cycle, Congressman Vasquez again defeated Yvette Herrell, this time by 4%— the same year that Donald Trump won the district by 2% — making him one of just 14 Democrats to win a district that went for Trump in 2024. Congressman Vasquez has continued to win over Democrat, Republican and Independent voters because he is willing to work with anyone to deliver results for New Mexicans on the issues they care most about: lowering the cost of living, expanding access to health care, protecting our public lands, and fixing our broken immigration system. In November, he will set another historic record by winning New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District for a third consecutive cycle.
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