New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District race gains national attention at RNC midterm convention

Republican congressional candidate Greg Cunningham took his campaign against Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez to a national audience Thursday, delivering a high-profile address at the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas.

The closely watched race for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District could help determine which party controls the U.S. House during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Cunningham, a former Albuquerque police detective and Marine veteran who served in Desert Storm, spoke for less than five minutes. He focused heavily on crime, border security and support for law enforcement while arguing that Democratic leadership has failed New Mexico.

“New Mexicans do not have to live this way,” Cunningham told the crowd.

Cunningham accused Vasquez of presenting himself as a moderate while supporting efforts to “defund and deconstruct law enforcement.” He also praised Trump’s border and public-safety policies.

Vasquez rejected Cunningham’s criticism and accused his Republican opponent of prioritizing Trump and national Republican leaders over the people of New Mexico.

“Instead of standing up for us, New Mexicans, Greg’s in Dallas representing New America, not New Mexico,” Vasquez said.

Cunningham began his remarks by describing his career in public service. After leaving the Marine Corps, he joined the Albuquerque Police Department and worked in patrol, narcotics and undercover investigations targeting gangs and cartels.

“Ever since my first ride-along, I knew I was born to be a police officer,” Cunningham said.

He also credited conservative activist Charlie Kirk with inspiring his congressional campaign. Cunningham said Kirk visited his church and encouraged him to “take a stand.”

“His horrific assassination exactly one year ago today convinced me that I needed to step up and run for Congress,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham is believed to be the first New Mexico Republican to address a national party convention since 2012.

Vasquez blasts Cunningham’s convention appearance

Vasquez held a news conference hours before Cunningham attended the convention, which the congressman characterized as an expensive gathering of Trump donors and allies.

“I think it’s quite tone deaf and disrespectful to the voters of this district for Greg to attend and bend the knee to the president and MAGA leadership that are actively making New Mexicans’ lives harder and more expensive,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez said his campaign is focused on lowering costs, expanding access to health care, protecting public lands and improving community safety. He also described himself as one of the more bipartisan members of Congress.

Asked whether Cunningham faced pressure from Trump or House Speaker Mike Johnson to attend the convention, Vasquez said he believed the appearance reflected Cunningham’s own political priorities.

“I think this is Greg Cunningham,” Vasquez said. “He wants to be part of the MAGA sphere.”

“New America” proposal enters congressional fight

The candidates’ clash came as Trump publicly promoted the controversial idea of renaming New Mexico “New America.”

“You have a neighboring state, New Mexico. We think it should be called New America,” Trump said during the convention.

Trump later said he believed people supported the proposal, while acknowledging opposition from the political left.

Vasquez said New Mexicans across party lines have told him they consider the idea insulting.

“Our name, our history and our culture, they’re not up for debate,” Vasquez said. “The one thing we can agree on is that we are New Mexicans.”

Vasquez criticized Cunningham for not publicly rejecting the proposal. KOAT reached out to Cunningham’s campaign for his position on the proposed name change on Monday. Cunningham did not take a direct stance, instead saying New Mexico Democrats are trying to distract voters by focusing on what the president is saying on social media.

New KOAT and Albuquerque Journal polling shows 61% of the state’s voters disapprove of Trump’s job performance.

Race could attract millions in outside spending

Both campaigns acknowledge the congressional race could be extremely close.

The latest campaign finance reports show Cunningham outraised Vasquez by approximately $900 during the most recent reporting period. The contest is also expected to attract millions of dollars in outside spending.

New Mexico’s sprawling 2nd Congressional District includes nearly all of southern New Mexico, stretching from parts of Albuquerque and Grants to Las Cruces and Carlsbad.

The first polling specific to the race is expected in October.