A Republican running for Congress in New Mexico who once boasted of her anti-abortion credentials has cut all references to abortion from her website and campaign materials.

Yvette Herrell previously represented New Mexicos 2nd Congressional District for a single term before being defeated by Democrat Gabe Vasquez in 2022 after the states Democrats drew districts that are more favorable to their party.

That year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the legal precedent that made abortion a constitutional right nationwide. Herrells loss was one of several disappointments for Republicans , who wound up winning the House by a slimmer margin than expected, and they could lose it this year thanks again to voters repulsed by state abortion bans.

Before elections in 2020 and 2022, Herrells campaign website prominently featured her anti-abortion stance on a shared values page.

With a consistent Pro-Life record in the New Mexico House of Representatives, Yvette will be a tireless advocate for the unborn in Congress, the website said, according to cached versions accessed via the Internet Archive . 100% Pro-Life, Yvette believes life starts at conception and will never waiver in her beliefs.

Now Herrells website doesnt mention abortion at all. The shared values page talks about parental rights in the classroom and stopping government overreach into our lives.

Its a small example of how the Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that created a national right to abortion, has made being anti-abortion a problem for Republicans. In the 2022 midterm elections, protecting abortion rights played a key role in Democratic wins up and down the ballot in Michigan and Pennsylvania , as well as the reelection of Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D). Concerns about abortion rights were likewise central in a host of Democratic victories in 2023, including the Kentucky gubernatorial race and key judicial races in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania .

Now, as Republicans seek to retake the Senate and maintain their narrow hold on the House, many GOP candidates in tough races are trying to downplay their past support for abortion restrictions.