UNA DE NOSOTROS. PARA TODOS.
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meet vanessa ordoñez
As a first-generation American, I am proud to call southern New Mexico my home. Raised in Las Cruces, I understand the values that define Doña Ana County: hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of community. I am also a U.S. Navy combat veteran and have dedicated my career to public safety through proactive, collaborative oriented policing. With over two decades of combined law enforcement and military service, and as the Democratic candidate for Doña Ana County Sheriff, I am ready to embark on a new journey and serve as your next Sheriff.
I am a proud mother of two amazing children and a wife to a retired law enforcement officer. We are a family of service, and that commitment to protecting and uplifting our community is at the heart of everything I do. I hold a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and I bring both professional expertise and personal dedication to the work of public safety. I’ve walked our streets, responded to our calls, and listened to concerns from officers, residents, and community stakeholders alike.
For over seven years, I served as the Chief of Police in Anthony, NM, where I led with integrity, compassion, and accountability. Under my leadership, Anthony became the #1 Safest City to Live in New Mexico, thanks to the strong partnerships we built between law enforcement and the community. I’m running for Doña Ana County Sheriff with its people in my heart — as a mother, a wife, a veteran, and a community leader, I am ready to bring leadership that listens, builds trust, and puts people first.
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latest news
Get the latest insights from Vanessa’s campaign, including community initiatives, policy updates, and opportunities to get involved. Don’t miss a moment of what’s happening in Doña Ana County.
Yard Sign Delivery in Action!
We’re excited to share that yard sign delivery is officially underway! If you’d like a sign, we’ve got you covered. My team is actively delivering signs, and all you need to do is send us a direct message—we’ll take care of the rest. Every sign placed in a yard is more than just a sign.…
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Paving the Way for the Next Generation:
As Women’s History Month closes, leadership means opening paths for others, especially when a young girl dreams of wearing the badge and knows it’s possible for her too.
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Thank you, Chaparral & Las Cruces!
From Las Cruces to Chaparral, meeting our neighbors, listening to their concerns, & understanding the importance of follow-through is essential. The community is the eyes and ears of our neighborhoods, & without their input, we cannot be fully effective in public safety.
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Join Vanessa’s campaign and help make Doña Ana County safer and stronger. Whether you volunteer, spread the word, or support in other ways, every action counts.
CURRENT ROLE:
Family first… I am a mother, wife, daughter, and sister to my supportive family. I most recently served as the Chief of Police in Anthony, NM and I am a proud member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. Service has always been at the heart of who I am.
A LOCAL LEADER:
Regional leadership as a former member of the NM Chiefs of Police Association & Chairperson of the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority. Currently a member of the Doña Ana County Juvenile Justice Continuum Board & Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (Chair Victim Advocacy).
A HEART FOR SERVICE:
I view community engagement as the foundation of effective policing. I work to ensure every voice is heard, every concern is respected, and every person feels seen and protected. At the heart of service are people and quality law enforcement officers.
A PROVEN LEADER:
Implemented Anthony Police Department’s first Criminal Investigations Division, acquired the 700mhz radio system for enhanced interoperability, doubled the force in size and strengthened the community resulting in the 1st Safest City to Live in New Mexico (2025).
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration; NM General Police, Domestic Violence, Mental Health Crisis Response, & FTO Instructor; Peer to Peer Support & Internal Affairs Certified; U.S. Navy Master at Arms, Expeditionary Warfare Specialist, Embarked Security Combat Skills, and SRF-A.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
I’ve been honored to receive the 2025 Latiné Leadership Award in Public Safety. Previous awards: Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Sailor of the Year, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, & Domestic Violence Advocate Award.
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