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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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The Importance of Community in Local Leadership
Discover how building trust and strong connections in Doña Ana County leads to safer neighborhoods and a united community.
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Building Trust Through Transparency
Learn how Vanessa’s commitment to transparency and open communication can strengthen trust between law enforcement and residents in Doña Ana County.
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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:
Provided regional leadership as an active member of the NM Chiefs of Police Association, Chairperson of the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority, Doña Ana County Juvenile Justice Continuum Board, & Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
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 2nd 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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