SANTA FE, N.M. — Democratic Congressman Gabe Vasquez is aiming to secure a second term in New Mexico’s competitive district located along the U.S.-Mexico border, facing off once again against Republican Yvette Herrell, whom he defeated in 2022.
Herrell is making her fourth consecutive attempt for a congressional seat in this predominantly Latino district, which spans from the southern border to Albuquerque. In 2021, Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico reshaped congressional districts, redistributing a politically conservative region known for oil production among three districts.
Vasquez, a former council member from Las Cruces, leverages his personal connection to the border as the child of Mexican immigrants, emphasizing his understanding of the region’s economy. His platform includes measures to combat drug cartels involved in trafficking and a compassionate approach for asylum seekers, along with advocating for abortion rights.
On the other hand, Herrell, who has a background in real estate and previously served in the state legislature, is campaigning this year in conjunction with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. She promotes strict immigration policies, criticizing the federal border management under President Biden and calling for a revival of former President Trump’s initiatives, which included the expansion of the border wall and strict waiting conditions for asylum-seekers.
Despite the congressional race, the district retains sections of the oil-rich Permian Basin, where Herrell positions herself as a robust supporter of the energy sector in New Mexico, the second-largest state for oil production after Texas. Vasquez has previously attempted, without success, to establish a compensation fund for uninsured medical expenses arising from air pollution and heat-related conditions affecting oilfield workers.
Regarding abortion access, Herrell has minimized the federal legislative impact, indicating she would adhere to state laws in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Previously, she advocated for Congressional legislation intended to limit abortion access. In contrast, New Mexico is known for having some of the most progressive abortion laws in the country, and Vasquez supports federal initiatives to protect abortion rights.
During her time in Congress, Herrell participated with fellow Republicans on January 6, 2021, opposing the electoral certification of President Biden’s victories in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Additionally, she voted against a significant bipartisan law in 2021 that allocated substantial funding for the U.S. infrastructure.
Approximately 56% of the district’s voting age demographic identifies as Latino, with deep historical roots linked to Mexican and Spanish settlements, alongside about 5% Native American representation. This area encompasses the Mescalero Apache Reservation, four Pueblo communities, segments of the Navajo Nation, and lands associated with the Fort Sill Apache Tribe based in Oklahoma.
In another competitive race, incumbent U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich is pursuing a third term against Republican candidate Nella Domenici, who is the daughter of the well-known former U.S. Senator Pete V. Domenici.
Nella Domenici, previously an executive at the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, asserts that her business acumen will help address inflation and create broader economic opportunities. She characterizes the U.S.-Mexico border situation as a crisis marked by crime and drug issues, advocating for increased alternatives in the public school system.
Meanwhile, Heinrich highlights his contributions toward infrastructure and energy initiatives that enhanced national security facilities in New Mexico, including the prestigious Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has pushed for more stringent gun safety measures and called for a restructuring of Senate filibuster rules that can obstruct legislative progress.
The candidates have divergent views on abortion rights, especially as New Mexico becomes a refuge for individuals seeking care from states that have instituted bans. Heinrich aims to increase federal abortion protections, whereas Domenici emphasizes state sovereignty and plans to focus on initiatives to lower unintended pregnancies via education and access to birth control.
Domenici has expressed her intent to vote for Trump, although she has limited her references to him during her campaign. Trump lost to Biden in New Mexico by a margin of 11% in the 2020 election. Domenici’s father was the last Republican to serve New Mexico in the Senate, concluding his six-term tenure in 2009.