To say we are disappointed in the 2025 State Legislative Session would be an understatement.
Although our Democratic state government trifecta had instilled high expectations for the legislative session, Democrats’ concessions to Republican pressure ultimately thwarted the passage of critical policies aimed at addressing root causes of public safety, enhancing environmental protections, and strengthening workers’ rights.
With the looming threat of a Trump regime being sworn in the day before the 60-day legislative session began, we were certain that legislators understood what was at stake, and would drive big and courageous wins to help cushion the blow of a Trump administration on New Mexicans. The lack of movement on people-focused policies is a stark contrast to the values and promises made by elected officials.
While some positive bills did pass, such as Housing Application Fees (SB 267), Community Benefit Fund (SB 48) and Innovation in Government Fund (SB 83), Medicaid Reimbursements for Birth Centers (HB 56) among others, the overall outcome is underwhelming.
Compared to previous years, fewer bills passed both chambers, indicating a lack of urgency and commitment to meaningful change. In fact, during the entire 60-day session, only 172 bills passed both House and Senate compared to previous 60-day sessions where on average, 250 bills passed both chambers.
This legislative session should not have been just business as usual; it was an opportunity for Democrats to show fearless leadership and stand up against the hostile threat of a Trump administration.
Instead, we saw concessions on critical issues, a move towards some imagined “middle,” that compromised New Mexican values. While this is not true of every Democratic elected official in the Legislature, those that were carrying policies that would have directly benefited New Mexicans found themselves blocked not only by Republicans, but also by members of their own party.
For those progressive champions who showed bravery in committees and chambers while facing adversity and frustration, we see you and hold you up as examples of what all our Democrats in the Legislature should have had the courage to do.
The failure to address the anger and frustration that New Mexicans feel about harms coming from the federal administration is not solely the responsibility of one party. However, Democrats in both chambers had a chance to make good on their promises and protect our state from the harmful policies of a fascist regime. Unfortunately, they failed to provide bold support for policies that would have shielded our communities from the negative impacts of national politics and improved our lives. As our local and state elected officials continue their work amidst the harmful realities we face as a nation, we expect courage, we expect them to fight, and we expect them to stand up in this political moment.
The national landscape is indeed treacherous, with bullies and billionaires pushing hostile agendas that harm our communities. It’s imperative for our state Democrats to stand up against these policies and fight for the rights of their constituents. This is not politics as usual; it’s a call to action that requires courage and conviction.
We’re seeing this same trend of capitulation to the far right across the U.S., from California Governor Newsom attacking Trans rights and platforming Steve Bannon, Democrats in the U.S. House voting to censure Rep Al Green for having the courage to stand up to Trump, or Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats voting to pass a MAGA/DOGE-empowering spending bill without any kind of resistance. This trend of capitulation to the far right is a nationwide problem that demands attention; it’s time for Democrats to show courage and stand up for their constituents.
What we are experiencing on a national level is not politics as usual. Fascism has its foot in the door, and our state government has an even higher responsibility to protect us from its reach. Unfortunately, they largely failed to deliver.
While not every legislative session can end with a slate of amazing bills, this session was a critical one. Our next real opportunity to pass meaningful legislation will not be until the next 60 day session in January of 2027 during which we may face a Republican Governor and lose our trifecta, making it even more crucial for Democrats to refocus on community needs and push for meaningful legislation unapologetically.
We will not be comforted by the idea that elected Democrats can single-handedly save us from harm. Instead, it will require all of us to demand bold action from them, even in the face of adversity. Over the coming weeks, we will dive deeper into key issue areas and policies that made it through or didn’t survive the legislative session.
As we move forward, some may caution us against criticizing Democrats, citing upcoming municipal elections in November and statewide elections in 2026. ProgressNow New Mexico is not bound by party-line politics; our commitment is to the people and communities we serve. We cannot afford to prioritize party loyalty over community needs. We will continue to call for Democrats to find the courage to deliver on their promises and fight for progressive change.
While we acknowledge that Democrats are more value-aligned than Republicans, we also recognize that our communities’ struggles will only intensify under a Trump administration.
It is imperative that our state Democrats in power fight for the New Mexicans who elected them. Anything less is unacceptable.