Rebecca Dow, the state representative for New Mexico District 38, has expressed concerns that partisan control has not effectively addressed the rising issues of crime and drug trafficking in the state.
"Shocker- we can address the crime control," said Rebecca L. Dow, New Mexico State Representative for 38th District (R). "If we vote out progressives. New Mexico has been failed by a single party controlling the courts, legislature, and the executive. Balance matters. Common sense matters."
In April 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed its largest fentanyl seizure during a multi-state operation culminating in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 2.7 million counterfeit pills. The DEA reported that this raid dismantled a trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa cartel and led to the arrest of 16 individuals. Additionally, authorities seized fentanyl powder, heroin, cocaine, firearms, and luxury vehicles. This significant bust underscores federal agencies' growing concern over synthetic opioid distribution in the Southwest. According to the DEA, this case illustrates the increasing reach and danger of fentanyl within the U.S. drug market.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported that fentanyl was involved in 65% of all overdose deaths in the state in 2023, making it the leading cause of fatal overdoses. Methamphetamine was identified as the second most common drug involved, present in 51% of deaths. Most fatalities—84%—occurred among adults aged 25 to 64, with those aged 35 to 44 being most affected. These statistics highlight New Mexico’s intensifying opioid crisis and underscore challenges related to addressing co-occurring substance use.
As of January 2025, New Mexico had one of the highest drug overdose death rates in the United States at a rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This equated to 1,024 fatalities statewide and placed New Mexico among the top five states for overdose mortality. The CDC also noted that synthetic opioids like fentanyl remain a primary driver of this trend nationwide. These figures indicate New Mexico’s disproportionately severe struggle with the opioid epidemic.
Dow is a Republican state legislator representing District 38 in New Mexico’s House of Representatives. According to her official biography on the New Mexico Legislature’s website, she originally served from 2016 to 2022 and returned to office in 2025. Her legislative record emphasizes support for law enforcement, crime prevention, and child welfare initiatives. She is also a CEO with extensive experience in early childhood education and public safety policy.
