New Mexico Democrat Vows 'Traditionally White' Outdoor Spaces 'Will No Longer Be White'

A vulnerable Democrat congressman from New Mexico is facing renewed backlash after unearthed podcast appearances show him repeatedly arguing that outdoor recreation spaces must be racially transformed, claiming they have been dominated by White males and demanding 'equitable access' for people of color.

Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., who previously called his home state 'stolen land,' made the remarks in a June 2020 interview on the 'Mountain & Prairie' podcast. Vasquez praised national conservation organizations for adopting what he described as more 'equitable' policies aimed at expanding access to the outdoors for non-White Americans.

'People of color are getting outdoors,' Vasquez said. 'There's amazing organizations out there that are just promoting diversity amongst the outdoors and big national organizations that are slowly and finally starting to get it and actually promote policies that create more equitable access and opportunities.'

He then made a striking prediction: 'Spaces that have been traditionally White will no longer be White. Secret spots will no longer be secret. And hunters and anglers and hikers and everybody in between will look different. And so, not only should you be OK with that, not only should you tolerate that, but you should embrace that.'

Who is Gabe Vasquez?

Vasquez first won election to the U.S. House in 2022. He co-founded Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project in 2017, a left-leaning organization devoted to making the outdoors more 'equitable' and advancing environmental justice. The group's board, Vasquez noted in a 2022 podcast, is 'all-people-of-color.'

His district in southern New Mexico is majority-Hispanic. President Donald Trump carried it by two points in the 2024 election, making Vasquez one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the country.

What else has Vasquez said about race and policing?

The outdoor comments are part of a broader pattern. In a 2020 interview, Vasquez argued that racism was ingrained into 'just about every part of life.' He also voiced openness to licensed psychologists taking over some police responsibilities.

After George Floyd's death in 2020, Vasquez tweeted: 'Black lives matter. Until we deconstruct and rebuild the systems of oppression that keep Black people in perpetual harm, justice will not be served. That includes law enforcement, the economy, and the disgusting wealth inequality that keeps white rich men in power.'

He also appeared to back rioting during the Black Lives Matter protests in a since-deleted tweet, according to CNN's KFile.

Earlier this year, Vasquez voted against a GOP-authored resolution honoring law enforcement during National Police Week. The measure included language criticizing the Defund the Police movement and sanctuary city policies.

How are Republicans responding?

Republican leaders are seizing on the comments to paint Vasquez as out of step with his district.

'This DEI-fueled racism is the exact woke nonsense New Mexico's Second District rejected in 2024 when it elected President Donald Trump, and it will cost Vasquez at the ballot box in November as voters choose common sense over crazy,' said Republican National Committee spokesman Zach Kraft.

Vasquez will face Republican Greg Cunningham, a Marine veteran and retired police officer, in November's general election. Cunningham is part of the National Republican Congressional Committee's flagship MAGA Majority program, which backs top recruits seeking to flip Democratic-held seats.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted the race in Vasquez's favor from 'Toss Up' to 'Lean Democrat' in January, citing Trump's declining poll numbers and Democrats' election wins in 2025. But Republicans argue the latest revelations could shift momentum back.

What does this mean for Iowa voters?

While Vasquez represents a New Mexico district, his comments reflect a broader national debate over race, public spaces, and law enforcement that resonates with many Iowa conservatives. The controversy highlights the Democratic Party's ongoing struggle with messaging on race and policing, issues that could play a role in competitive Iowa races as well.

Iowa Republicans have long championed equal treatment under the law and opposed race-based policies. The Vasquez controversy serves as a reminder of the ideological divide between conservative values of colorblind justice and the progressive push for race-conscious policies.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Vasquez campaign for comment but did not receive a response.