OPINION: From Ruidoso to Medicaid, NM must protect its values

In moments of crisis, leadership isn’t measured by party loyalty or political convenience, it’s measured by our willingness to stand with the people who placed their trust in us. As elected officials in New Mexico, Democrats and Republicans alike, we carry the responsibility of protecting the well-being of our constituents. That duty is being tested now more than ever.

The recent passage of what’s been called the “One Big Beautiful Bill” was anything but beautiful for New Mexico. Behind the name was a harmful agenda that slashed Medicaid, gutted food assistance and threatened rural hospitals. For many families, it wasn’t just legislation, it was a direct hit to their health, stability and future. That’s why so many now call it the Big Beautiful Betrayal. And while it advanced, too many leaders stood silent or worse, spread disinformation.

The Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress through Project 2025 have made their intentions clear: They’re coming for Social Security, Medicare and Veterans Affairs health care. These aren’t abstract policy details. They are lifelines for hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans: Seniors, veterans and working families who depend on them every day. Gutting these programs is not just irresponsible, it’s immoral.

And let’s be clear: Our immigrant communities are under attack. The administration is moving beyond border enforcement, targeting citizenship pathways, revoking protections and threatening families who call New Mexico home. These are our neighbors and coworkers. They strengthen our state. Silence in the face of these injustices is a betrayal of the values we claim to uphold.

We are seeing that same need for unity and moral clarity right now in Ruidoso, where families have lost loved ones, homes, livelihoods and peace of mind due to the devastating wildfires. In times like this, our divisions must disappear. Disaster relief is not a partisan issue, it’s a human one. We must come together to ensure that the people of Ruidoso receive the relief, resources and support they deserve.

While most of us do not serve in Congress, we must not underestimate the influence we do have. We hold relationships with our congressional delegation, with federal agencies and yes, even with officials in the Trump administration. We must use every connection, every ounce of leverage, to advocate for New Mexico. We are not powerless. We are public servants with a voice and our voice carries when used with unity and urgency.

To my Republican colleagues across the state: I know many of you are uneasy with what’s happening in Washington. You feel the pressure, the expectation to stay quiet. But silence now will only deepen the harm. If we fail to act with courage, we will be complicit in a betrayal of the very people we swore to serve. Party loyalty must never come before moral responsibility.

New Mexicans are already speaking out. They’re holding town halls, marching in the streets and calling our offices. They are asking us and pleading with us to put people over politics. To fight for their health care, their retirement, their future.

We still have time to choose a different path. We can come together across party lines to protect what matters most. Social Security. Medicare. VA health care. We must also stand against the erosion of civil rights from unjust targeting and detention of immigrants and U.S. citizens alike that violate due process. These aren’t partisan issues, they’re New Mexican values.

Let’s reject the complacency that let the Big Beautiful Betrayal pass. Let’s remember who we work for — not a president, not a party, but the people of New Mexico.

This is our call to conscience. Let’s answer it together.

Harold Pope Jr., D-Albuquerque, represents District 23 in the New Mexico Senate and is a candidate for lieutenant governor.