FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
Contact:
Janice Williams Chair, Republican Party of Doña Ana County
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 575-523-VOTE

Republican Party of Doña Ana County Responds to Councilor Flores’ Derogatory Remarks

LAS CRUCES, NM — The Republican Party of Doña Ana County is calling on City Councilor Yvonne Flores
to formally apologize for inflammatory and disrespectful remarks made during a recent city council
meeting. Her comments, directed at concerned constituents, included sweeping accusations of
prejudice, mockery of religious individuals, and outright personal attacks on those exercising their right
to civic participation.
Councilor Flores referred to residents as “Chicken Littles” and accused community members of
fearmongering and intolerance — even suggesting that opposition to a development was based on
discomfort with individuals who “aren’t like me.” These remarks are not only unfounded, but they are
offensive, dismissive, and damaging to the spirit of constructive civic dialogue that local government
should promote.
The role of an elected official is to listen, represent, and lead with integrity — not to ridicule those with
differing opinions. Constituents from all walks of life deserve to be treated with dignity, regardless of
their political affiliation, religious beliefs, or stance on a particular issue. Council meetings are meant to
be forums for respectful discourse, not platforms for public shaming.
We urge Councilor Flores to issue a sincere and public apology to the residents of Las Cruces for her
remarks. The Republican Party of Doña Ana County remains committed to ensuring that local
government serves all citizens with fairness, respect, and accountability.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
Contact:
Janice Williams Chair, Republican Party of Doña Ana County
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 575-523-VOTE

Chair of the Republican Party of Doña Ana County Responds to City Councilor’s Inflammatory Remarks

Las Cruces, NM — In response to recent comments made by Las Cruces City Councilor Johana Bencomo
during a public meeting, the Chair of the Republican Party of Doña Ana County issued the following
statement:
"As Chair of the Republican Party of Doña Ana County, I am compelled to respond to the disturbing
rhetoric used by Councilor Johana Bencomo in addressing constituents during a recent City Council
meeting. In her remarks, Councilor Bencomo said, 'I would ask you to reflect on where your
segregationist tendencies come from.'
This language is inflammatory, divisive, and deeply inappropriate for an elected official speaking to the
people she was elected to serve. Disagreements over public policy, such as those surrounding the Realize
Las Cruces initiative, are part of healthy democratic debate. But branding those who hold a different
view as morally suspect or racially prejudiced is a step too far.
Public service demands civility, restraint, and respect for all constituents. Personal attacks and
insinuations of racism have no place in our public discourse. The people of Las Cruces deserve a City
Council that listens with humility and leads with integrity.
We call on Councilor Bencomo to publicly apologize for her remarks and urge the City Council to reaffirm
its commitment to respectful civic engagement and the values of open, democratic governance."

About the Republican Party of Doña Ana County:
The Republican Party of Doña Ana County is committed to promoting constitutional principles, individual
liberty, and responsible local governance. We advocate for policies that strengthen our communities and
support transparency and accountability at all levels of government.