Gabriel Sanchez

Dr. Gabriel Sanchez is a Professor of Political Science at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Executive Director of the UNM Center for Social Policy. He also serves as Co-Director of the Institute of Policy, Evaluation, and Applied Research (IPEAR) and former Director of Research at Latino Decisions. His expertise spans Latino politics, health policy, and voting rights, with a focus on Southwest U.S. communities. Sanchez holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Arizona (2005).

Education: PhD, Political Science, University of Arizona (2005); St. Mary's University; St. Pius X High School (Albuquerque).

Research Interests: Latino political behavior, health policy disparities, racial/ethnic identity and civic engagement, voting rights litigation, and minority legislative strategies. His work bridges academic research with applied policy advocacy, particularly in addressing systemic inequities affecting Latino and Native American communities.

Recent Article Trends: His 2020-2025 publications emphasize immigration policy impacts, Latino voter dynamics, health equity challenges, and electoral strategy. Notable themes include the intersection of demographic shifts with political polarization, and the role of anti-immigrant policies on healthcare access.

• Awards: 2010 UNM Luminaria Presidential Award for Diversity Commitment, multiple Faculty of Color Mentoring Awards.

Advising & Grants: Leads the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded health policy center, oversees large-scale surveys (e.g., National Latino Immigration & Health Survey), and advises UNM graduate students in policy analysis. His research has informed voting rights litigation in Texas and other states.

Labs/Teams: Directs the UNM Center for Social Policy and collaborates with the Native American Budget and Policy Institute. Engages in interdisciplinary projects on community data governance and equitable policy frameworks.