Hi John,

Yesterday, I had the honor of attending President Biden’s State of the Union Address for the first time, and I brought a special guest with me: Dale Gillis.

Dale is a farmer from Arrey who I visited along the campaign trail last year to ask what he needs from his representative in Congress. His family has spent generations building their farm and legacy in the Hatch Valley, growing onions and chile.

Dale is one of many farmers proudly keeping up our agricultural traditions here in New Mexico’s 2nd District. I know how important the agriculture industry is, not just to our economy, but to the fabric of who we are as New Mexicans.

As I was talking to Dale yesterday, he shared, “I have never, ever had one Republican come to see me. This man right here came.”

Like I told Dale, I will always make sure that I remember where I came from and to never lose sight of where our food comes from and who digs their hands in the dirt to be able to provide for our families. As a new member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will be a leader for farmers like Dale, along with our farmworkers, truck drivers, machine operators, and every member of this crucial industry.

Too many New Mexicans live in poverty, and too many children are going to bed hungry. I am committed to bringing down the cost of living and food, and creating a future where all of our children and families can thrive — and that includes supporting our small businesses and farm workers, in addition to taking climate action.

While President Biden emphasized a message about the progress some parts of the country have made with lower gas prices, unemployment rates, and reduced inflation - that’s just not the reality for too many in New Mexico.

Dale and I agree: regardless of political party, when it comes down to the core, we’re all New Mexico. I promised to represent every New Mexican, no matter their party or who they voted for, and that’s what I’m doing now in Washington in order to move our state forward.

Thank you for your trust in me,

Gabe