As President Trump and Republicans in Congress advance their tax plan, Deb Haaland, a candidate for New Mexico governor, has raised concerns about potential Medicaid cuts affecting over 90,000 New Mexicans. Haaland used social media to highlight the impact on families dependent on Medicaid and the healthcare providers serving them. Healthcare is a central issue in her gubernatorial campaign.
Haaland stated in a video message, “Healthcare is not a partisan issue – it is right that we all deserve, and we must stand together to protect Medicaid and demand that Republicans in Congress put people over politics. I promise to stand up for our communities’ access to healthcare in every arena. New Mexicans deserve better, and we can’t back down.”
In New Mexico, 40% of residents rely on Medicaid for healthcare services. The proposed Republican tax bill could result in significant funding losses for low-income families, children, rural healthcare providers, hospitals, and much of the state's healthcare system. The Indian Health Service also depends heavily on Medicaid funding to serve Native communities across the state.
Haaland has been an advocate for accessible quality healthcare in New Mexico. As Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, she pushed for Medicaid expansion under Governor Susana Martinez through the Affordable Care Act. In Congress, she consistently voted against Medicaid cuts and supported efforts to increase healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During her tenure as Secretary of the Interior, Haaland collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services to enhance behavioral health services for Native communities facing high youth suicide rates and generational trauma from historical federal policies.
