OPINION: New Mexico needs leadership that puts families first

Every legislative session tells a story. Not just in the bills that pass or fail, but in the priorities lawmakers choose to pursue. This year, that story was clear. While New Mexicans worried about crime, rising costs, struggling schools and shrinking access to health care, the progressive majority in Santa Fe focused more on maintaining political control than meaningful reform.

Across our state, parents are trying to raise children in communities that do not always feel safe. Seniors are watching prices rise faster than their incomes. Young adults are leaving because they do not see opportunities here. Patients are waiting months for appointments or driving hours to see a doctor. These are not partisan complaints, but everyday realities for people in every corner of New Mexico.

House Republicans came prepared with serious proposals to address public safety, affordability, housing, and health care. Over two dozen crime reform bills were introduced, many developed alongside law enforcement and victims’ advocates. A tax relief package was offered to help working families keep more of their money. A housing plan was crafted to give first-time buyers a fair chance in a competitive market. Sadly, many of these ideas never received a hearing.

Instead, the progressive majority devoted time and energy to expanding government, creating new bureaucracies and advancing policies that prioritized special interests and noncitizens over the needs of New Mexico families. Even lawmakers’ pay became a focus, while issues impacting everyday New Mexicans were pushed aside. That contrast matters, because leadership is ultimately about choices. Nowhere is this more evident than in health care.

For more than six years, New Mexico has been losing doctors. While other states worked to attract providers, our state became known for burdensome malpractice laws and unpredictable liability costs. Physicians and hospitals warned lawmakers, while patients felt the consequences. Year after year, the problem was acknowledged but never seriously addressed.

Nothing changed until Republicans made ending the status quo a priority. Our efforts were strengthened by thousands of New Mexicans who spoke up, showed up, called, wrote, testified and demanded better. Everyday citizens made it clear that “business as usual” was unacceptable.

Republicans kept introducing legislation, demanding hearings and pressing progressive leadership to take the issue seriously. We refused to accept that losing doctors was simply “the way it is.” That persistence, backed by strong public support, finally paid off with the passage of meaningful medical malpractice reform. It happened because people across New Mexico refused to give up.

The same commitment helped House Republicans stop an unconstitutional gun grab that would have harmed law-abiding citizens while leaving criminals untouched. We blocked an extreme constitutional amendment that threatened future job creation. We strengthened protections for law enforcement officers. None of this was easy, but it was necessary, and it proved we could make a difference.

For too long, New Mexico has been stuck in a cycle of one-party rule that protects failed policies and caters to privileged special interests. Government continues to grow, while accountability shrinks. Meanwhile, too many communities struggle with crime, high costs, limited opportunity and declining access to essential services.

History has shown that when New Mexico welcomes private investment, encourages entrepreneurship and supports job creators, our state thrives. Strong private-sector growth leads to better wages, stronger communities and more opportunities for our children. Government cannot replace the power of a healthy economy built by hardworking New Mexicans. That is why balance in the Roundhouse matters.

When no single party holds unchecked power, ideas are debated, bad policies are challenged and better solutions emerge. Balance leads to better outcomes for families, workers, and small businesses.

With more Republicans in the Roundhouse, New Mexico can move in a different direction. We can build safer communities, make it more affordable to raise a family, attract doctors, create high-paying jobs and give young people real reasons to stay. We can restore accountability and focus government on delivering results instead of managing decline.

With continued engagement from New Mexicans who care deeply about our state, we have shown what is possible when leaders and citizens work together. Together, we can bring balance back to Santa Fe and build a stronger future for New Mexico’s families.

Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena, is the New Mexico House Republican leader.