Haaland sounds alarm on VA cuts, vows to defend
New Mexico’s veterans
GALLUP
As New Mexico’s 2026 gubernatorial race begins to take shape, Deb Haaland, the candidate for governor, warned that proposed federal cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs pose a “dangerous” threat to the state’s veterans.
Speaking in Santa Fe, Haaland, the former Interior secretary, outlined the stakes. She warned that budget reductions under discussion in Washington – championed by the Trump-aligned wing of Congress – would disproportionately impact states like New Mexico, which has one of the highest per capita veteran populations in the country.
“Trump slashed programs for veterans,” Haaland said, “gutted protections for military families and put our veterans at risk.
“As governor, I’ll make sure New Mexico steps up for our veterans,” she said, pledging to expand rural veteran transportation to all 33 New Mexico counties, hire more veterans service officers, help veterans transition into high-paying civilian jobs, crack down on predatory businesses that exploit veterans, and invest in mental health care and suicide prevention.
She added, “My parents both served. I’ve spent my life in public service. And I’ll never stop fighting for the people who’ve fought for us.”
By foregrounding veterans’ health care, Haaland is linking national policy debates to tangible local consequences – especially in underserved regions of New Mexico where VA services are already stretched thin.
According to recent policy briefs, the proposed federal cuts could reduce jobs across the VA system, many of which are currently held by veterans themselves. Additionally, veterans in rural areas could face increased travel distances and longer wait times to access primary or specialized care.
The event also marked the official launch of “Vets for Deb,” a new statewide affinity group to engage and organize veterans to support her campaign. The group will host listening sessions, register voters, and mobilize veteran voices in key communities in the lead-up to the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.
“Veterans know something in their core,” Haaland said. “Real strength comes from standing together. Service means sacrifice. And freedom requires constant vigilance and action, and I will always work to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve.”
Backing Haaland at the announcement was Common Defense, the nation’s largest progressive veterans’ organization. The group formally endorsed her candidacy, citing her track record of supporting veterans during her time in Congress and her continued advocacy for equitable access to health care, housing, and education.
In addition to public remarks, Haaland held a closed-door roundtable with a dozen veterans from across the state, including those from tribal communities, rural towns, and urban centers. According to her campaign, the session focused on first-hand stories and policy feedback that will inform her summer policy agenda. Veterans raised issues ranging from delays in benefits processing to a lack of culturally appropriate care for Native veterans.
“Veterans know what real leadership looks like, and Deb Haaland is a real leader who has never backed down from a fight that matters,” said Jose Vasquez, a U.S. Army veteran and the executive director of Common Defense. “She is committed to defending our democracy, stands up for Native communities and veterans who have too often been left behind. She’s shown us what public service is supposed to be. Our members are proud to stand with her because she’s one of us—someone who prioritizes people over politics and fights like hell for the democracy and future veterans like us swore to defend.”
Vasquez’s comments come amid reports that over 2,400 Department of Veterans Affairs employees have already been terminated, with more than 80,000 additional layoffs expected in the coming months under Trump Administration plans. These staffing reductions threaten to disrupt critical VA services that New Mexico’s more than 122,000 veterans rely upon.
In addition to VA cuts, key federal safety nets for veterans are also at risk. Currently, 1.6 million veterans rely on Medicaid, while 1.2 million live in households that receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – both targeted for deep reductions in Trump’s proposed budget.
During a recent speech previewing her economic agenda, Haaland also raised concern over proposed cuts to Small Business Administration programs that support veteran entrepreneurs. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that New Mexico’s small businesses, including those owned by veterans, have the tools and funding they need to thrive.
“We can trust Deb to fight for veterans,” said Josh Jones, a U.S. Air Force veteran and member of the Vets for Deb affinity group. “Deb’s strong record shows that she understands what veterans go through and the services we deserve for serving our country.”
Highway 264,
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