Representative Rebecca Dow is a Republican incumbent representing one of New Mexico’s most competitive districts and one of its most extreme. Since first being elected in 2016 and returning to the legislature in 2024, Dow has made a name for herself by attacking LGBTQ+ youth, opposing reproductive freedom, and importing culture-war fights into a district that values inclusion and practical solutions.
Her return was not a landslide. In 2024 she won House District 38 by only about four points, defeating Democratic incumbent Tara Jaramillo after Democrats had flipped the district in 2022. The seat now includes precincts from Las Cruces, and voter registration gives Democrats a slight edge. This is no longer a safe Republican hold. It is a battleground.
Dow may have reclaimed the seat in 2024, but the fight for 2026 begins now. Voters know her record.
She is exposed. She is extreme. She is beatable.
Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Family Record
2025: Co-sponsored bill banning trans girls from girls’ sports in K-12 and colleges—conflicted with state law allowing gender marker changes, showing it was political theater.
2022: Campaigned against “critical race theory,” falsely labeling it racist, despite officials confirming CRT wasn’t taught in NM schools.
Supported blocking diversity and inclusion measures; rhetoric fueled intimidation of educators and classroom censorship.
Consistently imports national culture-war talking points that stigmatize students and divide communities.
Out of step with Las Cruces families, who prioritize safe, supportive, inclusive schools.
Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
2021: Voted against repealing NM’s 1969 criminal abortion statute, which would have recriminalized abortion if Roe fell.
As a 2022 statewide candidate, opposed abortion in nearly all cases, pledged to restrict rights further.
Aligned with extremist groups supporting bans without rape or incest exceptions.
Opposed additional protections for doctors and patients.
Record clashes with District 38 voters, who strongly support reproductive rights.
Culture War Over Constituents
Markets herself as pragmatic, but votes as a hardline culture warrior.
Focused on symbolic fights: anti-trans bills, anti-DEI rhetoric, ignoring district needs.
Failed to address core issues: rising costs, rural health care gaps, water security, underfunded schools.
Uses office to amplify national grievance politics, alienating constituents seeking real solutions.
Key Vulnerabilities
2022: Democrats flipped the seat with Tara Jaramillo.
2024: Dow returned by just 4 points, proving competitiveness.
Redistricting pulled in Las Cruces precincts, giving Democrats a registration edge.
Las Cruces electorate is young, diverse, pro-reproductive rights, pro-equality.
Local unions, educators, and civic groups already mobilized against her record.
2026 midterm turnout expected to be younger and more Democratic-leaning.
Rebecca Dow has spent her time in office importing culture-war politics into a competitive district that values inclusion and freedom. She has attacked LGBTQ+ youth, opposed reproductive rights, and ignored real community needs.
She has:
A hardline record on LGBTQ+ & reproductive issues
A 4-point margin in a district Democrats recently held
A constituency moving toward Democrats and progressive policies
No accomplishments on costs, schools, or local infrastructure
