When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. entered the presidential race, I was struck by his relentless focus on public health, environmental protection, and individual empowerment. As his state director for New Mexico, I saw up close how deeply he understood the issues that matter to our people—clean air, clean water, and a food system that sustains rather than strains. As he now faces his first confirmation hearing for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Trump, I am more certain than ever that his leadership will serve New Mexico and the nation well.
Kennedy’s career has been defined by his commitment to the public good, particularly his work with Indigenous communities in their fights for sovereignty and environmental justice. As an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and founder of Waterkeeper Alliance, he worked alongside tribes to protect their lands and waters from corporate pollution and government overreach. His victories include helping the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe stop a General Motors plant from poisoning the St. Lawrence River, supporting the Western Shoshone in their battle against illegal gold mining on sacred land, and defending the Navajo Nation against uranium contamination that threatened their water supply. Now, as head of Indian Health Service (IHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kennedy has the power to fight for Indigenous health on a national scale.
One of Kennedy’s recent victories that directly affects public health is the FDA’s ban on Red Dye 3, a decision long championed by Kennedy in his advocacy for cleaner food. This ban represents a significant step forward in public health, and Kennedy’s persistent fight against toxic food additives shows his dedication to the well-being of our communities. Under his leadership, agencies like the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will focus on cleaning up environmental toxins and ensuring access to clean water—crucial issues for communities like ours.
Kennedy’s work on food safety and regulatory reform has also been instrumental in protecting public health. The FDA’s long-overdue ban on Red Dye No. 3 is just one example of how Kennedy’s efforts are bearing fruit. This move, which comes after years of his tireless advocacy, is part of a broader trend of agencies adopting policies Kennedy and other public health advocates have long pushed for. As Secretary of HHS, Kennedy will prioritize transparency and fight against regulatory capture by Big Pharma and the processed food industry. His leadership will ensure that public health policies prioritize the well-being of people, not corporate profits, making sure that the public interest comes first.
Kennedy’s vision extends beyond healthcare into food security, an issue especially relevant to New Mexico. By advocating for regenerative agriculture and local food systems, Kennedy is pushing for nutrient-dense food that benefits both the environment and public health. In a state like New Mexico, where rural communities often struggle with access to healthy food, this focus on local food webs is vital. Supporting small-scale farmers to grow food for their own communities will make our food system more resilient, reducing reliance on fragile national supply chains.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will work to expand community-based health and nutrition programs, ensuring that food-insecure families, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities, receive the support they need. Kennedy’s approach to healthcare is decentralized, empowering local providers and expanding patient choice. He is committed to integrating diverse forms of care, including naturopaths and integrative medicine practitioners, in order to provide more options for New Mexicans, particularly those in underserved areas.
Additionally, Kennedy understands how technology can streamline healthcare delivery and improve efficiency. Under his leadership, HHS may explore blockchain technology to improve medical recordkeeping, reduce fraud, and increase patient control over their data—a move that aligns with his broader vision of a decentralized, patient-centered healthcare system.
Kennedy’s long history of fighting for cleaner environments, food security, and expanded access to healthcare makes him uniquely qualified to serve as Secretary of HHS. His unwavering commitment to public health and his leadership on issues that matter to New Mexico—whether it’s addressing environmental toxins, fighting for Indigenous communities, or improving access to healthcare—offers hope for a better future for all. As his confirmation hearing approaches, it’s clear that Kennedy’s leadership will bring a new era of health and justice, one that demands action and delivers results for the people.
Aaron Henry Diaz
Santa Fe, NM