Dear Friends:

Although the 2018 election wrapped up weeks ago, a few extremely close races remained in question—two of which featured candidates we endorsed ahead of the November election. This week, I am proud to report that after all votes were recounted, our endorsed candidates, Dr. Gregg Schmedes and Martin Zamora, were certified as the winners in House Districts 22 and 63.

I am sure you have heard it said that “Every Vote Counts,” and this can certainly be said in Gregg’s and Martin’s races. Ultimately, Gregg won by 142 votes out of more than 16,000 votes cast, and Martin edged out his opponent by just 25 votes!

That’s right—167 votes combined made the difference in these races and it is my privilege to introduce two of our newest State Representatives to you today.

Meet Representative Gregg Schmedes

 Gregg Schmedes is a local physician from Tijeras, New Mexico. Earlier this year, he was appointed by Governor Martinez to fill the unexpired term of former Representative James Smith. Gregg graduated from medical school at Texas Tech University, where he served as president of his class. During college, he organized and led missions’ trips to Mexico, and from 2014-2016, he served in Cameroon as a teacher and surgeon for Samaritan Purse’s World Medical Mission. Gregg previously worked as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of New Mexico and is currently the State Director for the American Academy of Medical Ethics. He is married to Kelly, and together, they have five beautiful children.

Meet Representative-Elect Martin Zamora

Martin Zamora is a native of Clovis, New Mexico, and a lifelong resident of House District 63. He has over 20 years of experience in agriculture, has owned several small businesses in the agricultural industry, and previously served on the Wells Fargo Community Advisory Board. Martin currently owns a farm in Clovis and a ranch located in Torrance and Socorro Counties. He has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 38 years, and together, they have two daughters and six beautiful grandchildren.

Congratulations Representative Schmedes and Representative-Elect Zamora! We are thankful for your willingness to serve in public office and we look forward to working with you to defend life, promote strong families, and protect religious freedom in New Mexico.

Together in His Service,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

Dear Friends:

At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, we frequently talk about the need for greater engagement from people of faith when it comes to public policy issues and elections. Thankfully, in recent years, we have seen greater participation, particularly during the annual Legislative Session in Santa Fe. From rallies to committee hearings, more and more Christians are beginning to take an active role in our government and speak out on the issues that matter.

One of these Christians is Gregg Schmedes, a local doctor from Tijeras.

I first met Gregg two years ago while I was still working for the state. During this time, I learned that in addition to sharing a common faith, Gregg and I also shared a strong commitment to defending life. As a doctor, Gregg felt the medical community needed to be more vocal in the abortion debate. Consequently, he began to spend his personal time attending committee hearings and floor sessions, and providing expert testimony on life-affirming legislation.

Gregg’s dedication to serving and being a voice for the voiceless did not begin in New Mexico though. During college, he organized and led missions’ trips to Mexico, and from 2014-2016, he served in Cameroon as a teacher and surgeon for Samaritan Purse’s World Medical Mission.

Today, Gregg is as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of New Mexico and the State Director of the American Academy of Medical Ethics. Even more important, he is a committed Christian, devoted husband (Kelly), and proud father to five beautiful children.

Several weeks ago, I talked about the growing frustration with the direction of our state. At the same time, I mentioned the strong contingent of faithful, godly leaders we have that give me renewed hope and optimism for the future of New Mexico. And while Gregg does not currently serve in elected office, he is certainly one of those leaders and a man who unashamedly espouses the values of Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, including servant leadership, winsome engagement, and inspired hope.

Gregg is a wonderful example of how God can use one person to make a difference. But thankfully, Gregg is not the only one. There are many others, including people like you who continue to pray for and support our ministry.

So, on behalf of this ministry and all our staff, thank you! Together, with God’s blessing, we are making a difference!

In His Service,

Vince Torres
President & Executive Director