Representative Gabriel Vasquez, D-N.M., is facing intense criticism after a newly resurfaced video exposed a stark reversal on energy policy. While Vasquez currently claims to support an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy to survive a tough reelection campaign, the 2021 footage reveals him calling for a aggressive transition away from the fossil fuel industry—the very sector that funds nearly one-third of New Mexico's state budget.

The 2021 video, recorded while Vasquez was running in the Democratic primary to challenge then-Representative Yvette Herrell, R-N.M., shows him endorsing far-left environmental policies. In the interview, Vasquez called for sweeping government mandates, including the electrification of all municipal and residential developments and strict limits on the use of natural gas.

"We have to champion a whole bunch of different policies to really mitigate the impact of climate change," Vasquez said at the time. "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, the electrification of commercial and municipal developments, limiting the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels and carbon-based fuels and replacing them with electric."

At the time of his remarks, Vasquez was positioning himself to appeal to the progressive base of his party. However, his calls to walk away from traditional energy production directly threaten New Mexico’s financial foundation. The Permian Basin is one of the world's most productive oil and gas regions, serving as a massive economic engine and employer for the state.

According to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, the energy sector generates $13.1 billion in total revenue. Data from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration confirms that approximately $7.5 billion of that revenue goes directly to the state's general fund. These fossil fuel revenues are critical to funding public education, repairing roads, and keeping state tax rates low for working families.

Now facing a highly competitive race for a third term in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, Vasquez has attempted to rebrand himself as a moderate champion of traditional energy. His current campaign website highlights a very different stance from his 2021 rhetoric, framing him as a supporter of the oil and gas sector.

"Rep. Vasquez stands by the energy workers in the Permian Basin who fuel America’s energy economy," his website reads. "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."

When asked about the contradiction, Vasquez's campaign stood by his current, more moderate-sounding platform. Campaign spokesperson Patricia Santiago insisted that Vasquez's past local advocacy does not conflict with his current congressional stance.

"Gabe is proud of his record on the City Council and his advocacy for clean energy, clean air and clean water," Santiago said. "In Congress, he continues to support an all-of-the-above energy approach."

However, Vasquez’s Republican challenger, former law enforcement officer Greg Cunningham, blasted the congressman’s shifting positions, calling out the double standard of progressive politicians who depend on fossil fuel tax revenues while actively working to dismantle the industry.

"Progressives like Gabe Vasquez 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," Cunningham said.

This is not the first time Vasquez has faced scrutiny over past progressive statements. He has previously drawn fire from critics for resurfaced videos where he advocated for "deconstructing" law enforcement and referred to his home state of New Mexico as "stolen land." As voters in the competitive district prepare to head to the polls, Vasquez’s shifting energy positions are raising serious questions about his core policy commitments.

Sources: * New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration * New Mexico Oil and Gas Association * City of Las Cruces Municipal Records * Office of Representative Gabriel Vasquez