Rep. Gabriel Vasquez, D-N.M., a second-term Democrat representing New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, is facing renewed scrutiny after resurfaced video from 2021 shows him advocating for policies that would limit fossil fuel use in favor of electrification and renewable energy. The footage, emerging as he campaigns for a third term in one of the nation's most competitive districts, reveals a shift toward an "all of the above" energy platform that his campaign now emphasizes.

The Permian Basin, one of the world's largest oil and gas producing regions, is central to New Mexico's economy. Vasquez's district includes portions of southern New Mexico where oil and gas extraction provides significant employment and revenue. The congressman won re-election in 2024 by a margin of 52.1% to 47.9% over Republican Yvette Herrell, indicating his vulnerability in a district that has flipped between parties.

What the Left Is Saying

Vasquez's campaign defended the congressman's record and current positions. Patricia Santiago, a spokesperson for Vasquez's campaign, said he remains committed to both energy production and environmental priorities.

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

The campaign pointed to Vasquez's current platform, which states: "Rep. Vasquez stands by the energy workers in the Permian Basin who fuel America's energy economy. 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."

Vasquez has argued that his positions reflect a pragmatic approach to energy policy that addresses both climate concerns and economic realities facing his constituents.

What the Right Is Saying

Greg Cunningham, Vasquez's Republican challenger in the 2026 race, criticized the congressman's apparent shift in position. A former law enforcement agent, Cunningham argued that Vasquez has benefited politically from an industry he once sought to restrict.

"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 and gives more than 100,000 New Mexicans a good-paying job. You don't get to cash the check and trash the people who wrote it," Cunningham said in a statement.

Cunningham emphasized his support for continued energy production as essential to the state's future. "Energy is and will continue to be the lifeblood of New Mexico," he added.

Republicans have pointed to Vasquez's 2021 comments as evidence that his current moderate positioning does not reflect his underlying beliefs, arguing voters should consider his earlier statements when evaluating his candidacy.

What the Numbers Show

The oil and gas industry's economic footprint in New Mexico is substantial. According to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, the industry generates $13.1 billion in total revenue annually. The state Department of Finance and Administration reports that approximately $7.5 billion flows into New Mexico's general fund from this sector.

Employment figures underscore the industry's importance to working families. Industry advocates estimate that oil and gas operations employ more than 100,000 people across New Mexico, representing a significant portion of the state's workforce outside metropolitan areas.

Vasquez's electoral history shows he won his 2022 race by roughly 4 percentage points and secured re-election in 2024 with the same margin. His district has been competitive, voting for both Democratic and Republican candidates in recent cycles.

The Bottom Line

The resurfaced video highlights the challenges facing moderate Democrats in energy-producing states as they seek to balance environmental commitments with constituent support for oil and gas jobs. Vasquez's shift toward an "all of the above" framing reflects a broader effort by some Democrats to present more nuanced positions on energy policy.

His race is expected to remain competitive heading into 2026, with both parties investing significant resources in what could be among the most closely watched House contests. How voters perceive his evolution on energy issues may prove decisive in determining whether he secures a third term.