Senator Ant Thornton of New Mexico has called on Representative Melanie Stansbury to advocate for the release of hostages by Hamas and to facilitate humanitarian access. Thornton also questioned Stansbury's alignment with local values. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
"How is it that you are consistently on the wrong side of every issue or argument that you make," said Anthony Linn Thornton, New Mexico State Senator from 198th District (R). "Tell Hamas to release the remaining hostages, allow their own people access to the food that has been delivered, and to surrender their weapons and this could all be over tomorrow. Why are you in Congress? In all the years you have been in D.C., you haven't once supported my values or interests… not once!"
In August 2025, Congressional discussions centered around U.S. policy concerning hostages and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Lawmakers were considering potential changes following a proposal from Hamas to allow the Red Cross access to hostages if Israel increased aid and paused airstrikes, as reported by Reuters.
According to Reuters, approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza as of August 2025, with only about 20 believed to be alive. Recent United Nations data indicates that over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid, and severe famine conditions persist despite international relief efforts.
In July 2025, the U.S. Senate voted against two resolutions aimed at blocking arms sales to Israel, with votes of 73–24 and 70–27. However, for the first time, a majority of Senate Democrats supported restrictions on these sales, marking a significant shift in Congressional attitudes towards Israel, according to TIME.
Thornton is identified by Ballotpedia as a Republican New Mexico State Senator for District 19 since 2025. His background includes experience as an aerospace engineer and Navy Reserve officer, with policy interests focused on national security and resource management.
