Vulnerable Dem Incumbent Criticized for Calling Home State 'Stolen Land'

Resurfaced video shows Rep. Gabe Vasquez making controversial comments about racism and policing.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting in red, white, and blue hues, depicting a political symbol such as a gavel in a chaotic, fragmented style, conceptually representing the divisive nature of modern American politics.A resurfaced video of a vulnerable Democratic incumbent calling his home state 'stolen land' has ignited a political firestorm, exposing the complexities of navigating progressive and moderate positions.Las Cruces Today

A House Democrat running for re-election in a battleground district, Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico, previously said his home state was 'stolen land' and claimed racism was 'embedded' into nearly everything, according to a resurfaced video. Vasquez also suggested replacing some police officers with licensed psychologists and clinicians. The Republican National Committee has sharply criticized Vasquez's prior comments, calling him a 'truly sick individual.'

Why it matters

Vasquez's comments could become a liability as he seeks a third term in a competitive district. The resurfaced video highlights the political risks for Democrats in battleground races, where moderate positioning can be complicated by past progressive stances.

The details

In a 2020 interview, before entering Congress, Vasquez said 'We are on stolen land' and that the land used to be Mexican territory and was inhabited by Native Americans. He also claimed 'Just about every part of life that we experience has some racism embedded into it.' Vasquez suggested replacing some police officers with licensed psychologists and clinicians to respond to certain events. He also appeared to justify rioting following the death of George Floyd and voiced support for the defund the police movement.

  • In 2020, Vasquez made the controversial comments while serving as a city councilmember of Las Cruces.
  • Vasquez entered Congress in January 2023 after defeating a Republican incumbent.

The players

Rep. Gabe Vasquez

A House Democrat running for re-election in a battleground district in New Mexico, who previously made controversial comments about his home state being 'stolen land' and claiming racism is 'embedded' into nearly everything.

Republican National Committee

The RNC has sharply criticized Vasquez's prior comments, calling him a 'truly sick individual' who may have a 'terminal case of the woke mind virus.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'We are on stolen land,' Rep. Gabe Vasquez, N.M., said in 2020 before entering Congress during an interview with a New Mexico-based outlet. He added the land used to be Mexican territory and before that was inhabited by Native Americans.”

— Rep. Gabe Vasquez, U.S. Representative

“'Just about every part of life that we experience has some racism embedded into it,' Vasquez continued. 'I have become less optimistic about where this country stands in terms of being able to eradicate racism, because it is intergenerational. It is passed on. It is embedded into our system.'”

— Rep. Gabe Vasquez, U.S. Representative

“'Gabe Vasquez is a truly sick individual who may have a terminal case of the woke mind virus,' RNC spokesman Zach Kraft said in a statement. 'He should get the help he needs to realize how insane it is to call every single American racist, and he should be nowhere near Congress.'”

— Zach Kraft, RNC Spokesman

What’s next

The Republican National Committee has sharply criticized Vasquez's prior comments, and the race is seen as a top target for national Republicans as they seek to unseat the vulnerable Democratic incumbent.

The takeaway

Vasquez's controversial statements about his home state being 'stolen land' and claiming racism is 'embedded' into nearly everything could become a liability as he seeks re-election in a competitive district. The resurfaced video highlights the political risks for Democrats in battleground races, where moderate positioning can be complicated by past progressive stances.