Hi John,

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women all over the world, past and present.

I would not be where I am today without the hard work, love, and support of the strong women who came before me and helped shape who I am.

My mother, Hortencia Bañuelos, myself, and my brother.

Growing up as a first generation Mexican American, my mother taught me the value of hard work. I spent much of my childhood watching her and my tias working in my abuelo’s TV repair shop, where they fixed TVs and microwaves to put food on the table. As one of ten children, my mom was the first in our family to graduate from college, and worked her way up to have a successful career in finance. She inspired me to work hard, follow my dreams, and serve others.

My mom and me last year.

It should go without saying that women deserve the same economic opportunities and rights afforded to men — yet in 2023, they are still fighting for them as far-right extremists continue to push their backward agenda, including reversing Roe v. Wade last year and attacking reproductive choice in legislatures across the country.

Now that I’m in Congress, I’m keeping my promise to fight for the rights and opportunities of women in NM-02 by voting for greater protections for reproductive care, equal pay, paid family leave, affordable and accessible childcare, and more. For example, I voted for the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would help close the gender pay gap and protect women as they re-enter the workforce.

Thank you for getting me here, and happy Women’s History Month! Let’s keep up the fight.

— Gabe