New Mexico’s congressional women leaders proudly wore pink during President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday, in what they called a symbol of “power and protest.” Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-District 3), chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, declared in Time Magazine that their pink attire was meant to signal opposition to Trump’s policies, claiming they harm women and families.
But here is the truth: their actions speak louder than their fashion choices.
These same legislators—Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-District 3), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-District 1), Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-District 2), Sen. Martin Heinrich (D), and Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D)—have consistently voted against protecting the women of New Mexico.
They have failed women.
On January 14, the U.S. House passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, ensuring women’s athletic competitions remain fair and safe. All three New Mexico Representatives opposed it. Then, on March 3 in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Martin Heinrich and Sen. Ben Ray Luján followed suit.
On January 16, the U.S. House passed the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, a bill designed to protect women from violent offenders. Rep. Leger Fernandez and Rep. Stansbury voted against it.
This betrayal isn’t just happening in Washington – it’s happening right here in our state.
On February 13, in New Mexico, State Representatives Joanne J. Ferrary (D-District 37), Angelica Rubio (D-District 35), Andrea Romero (D-District 46), and Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-District 24) also turned their backs on women. They voted against the Protection of Women’s Sports Act—even after hearing the harrowing testimony of Payton McNabb.
Payton was a star high school athlete, preparing for a future in college sports. Her dreams were crushed, however, when a biological male competing in her girls’ volleyball match spiked a ball with such force that it caused a traumatic brain injury, leaving her partially paralyzed and ending her athletic career.
Enough empty gestures, it’s time for action.
Wearing pink doesn’t protect women. Voting for policies that safeguard their rights, safety, and opportunities does.
New Mexico’s leaders claim to stand for women, yet their votes tell a different story. They have abandoned the very people they claim to represent. It’s time for New Mexicans to wake up. These legislators have failed us, and we must hold them accountable.
We need leaders who will fight for ALL New Mexicans—not just push empty symbolism.
Nickie McCarty is a former educator and athletic director and New Mexico State Director of Concerned Women for America.
