Gabe Vasquez (NM-2)

Biography

Gabe Vasquez, born on August 3, 1984, in El Paso, Texas, is a first-generation Mexican-American who has dedicated his career to public service and community development. Raised in the El Paso-Juárez-Las Cruces border region, he spent much of his childhood in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, where he worked in his grandfather's television repair shop. Vasquez's upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by border communities.

In 2017, Vasquez was elected to the Las Cruces City Council, representing District 3. During his tenure, he secured significant investments to enhance parks, modernize infrastructure, and implement policies that generated thousands of jobs. He also played a pivotal role in the designation of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, ensuring its protection for future generations.

In November 2022, Vasquez was elected to represent New Mexico's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 2024, continuing his commitment to serving the diverse communities of southern New Mexico.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from New Mexico State University, 2008.

• Political Experience:

  • Field Representative for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, focusing on community outreach and policy initiatives in southern New Mexico.
  • Elected to the Las Cruces City Council in 2017, serving until 2021.
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for New Mexico's 2nd congressional district in 2022; re-elected in 2024.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Committee Assignments:

  • Serves on the House Agriculture Committee, with subcommittee roles in Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, and Forestry.
  • Member of the House Armed Services Committee.

• Legislative Initiatives:

  • Introduced bipartisan legislation to address teacher shortages in tribal schools by providing federal pension benefits to educators.
  • Advocated for the protection of public lands and the promotion of clean energy jobs, emphasizing the importance of sustainable economic development in New Mexico.

• Community Engagement:

  • Founded the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project in 2017, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring marginalized communities have access to outdoor spaces and conservation education.

Vasquez's work reflects his commitment to environmental conservation, economic development, and the well-being of New Mexico's diverse communities.