ALBUQUERQUE, N.M . – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement on the results of the midterm election:
“Voters in New Mexico and across this country voted to turn the page – and to stand up for the fundamental values that make our state and our nation strong. We voted to reject the politics of fear, hatred, and division. We voted to affirm what we know to be true in majority-minority state like New Mexico: that our diversity is our strength, and that we can accomplish so much more when we appeal to what binds us together rather than what drives us apart. We voted to defend health care, to put working families first with investments in good jobs and education, to stand up for the rights of immigrant and Native communities, to protect our public lands and environment, and to build a better future for our kids and grandkids.
“New Mexico was a beacon of light last night, leading the way with critical gains for working families. Voters delivered a clear and unequivocal message, sending many champions for the priorities of working people to the governor’s office, the U.S. Congress, and the Roundhouse. I congratulate Governor-elect Lujan Grisham for her victory, and I look forward to working with her to put our state on a path that raises up all New Mexicans -- expanding access to quality, affordable health care and education, growing our economy, and creating good new jobs and opportunities so that our children can choose to stay in New Mexico and raise their own families here. And I am eager to get back to work with Senator Heinrich and with the entire New Mexico delegation to continue our work to advance New Mexico’s priorities: from investing in our labs and military bases, to improving worker safety, to growing our outdoor recreation economy, protecting our public lands and fighting climate change, to making health care more affordable and accessible, to working to expand opportunities for our state’s 23 tribes and pueblos. New Mexicans want us to work together, across party lines, to build a stronger future for our state, and I’m committed to doing just that.
“By electing new leadership in the House of Representatives, the American people have made it clear that they reject the ugly and divisive impulses that have been stoked from the very top and that have poisoned our politics. They are tired of the attacks on their health care and the special interest giveaways. They want us to get to work to defend and advance policies – like investments in health care, infrastructure, education, and good jobs – that benefit working families, not just the wealthiest one percent. We must take that message seriously. Most importantly, we must work to appeal to the ‘better angels of our nature,’ as President Lincoln said – to heal the deep wounds that have been laid bare across the country, by respecting one another and acknowledging our shared love of this country. Those are New Mexico’s values – and those are the values I’ll keep fighting for in the Senate.”
