Cunningham Pitches Crime and Veterans Plan in District 2
Republican challenger Greg Cunningham outlined his public safety and affordability positions in an interview with NMPBS for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Greg Cunningham, the Republican challenger for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, spoke with NMPBS about his positions on public safety and affordability. The district voted for Donald Trump in 2024 but elected Democrat Gabe Vasquez to Congress that year.
Why it matters
Cunningham's bid is part of a race that Republicans view as a potential flip in a district that split its vote in 2024. His law enforcement background is central to how he frames his platform on public safety for New Mexico voters.
Cunningham's stated proposals include streamlining the RECA application process, raising RECA award amounts, and providing healthcare for those affected by RECA-covered exposures. He also proposes a national crime bill reviewing fentanyl sentencing guidelines.
The players
Greg Cunningham
Greg Cunningham is a former Marine and Albuquerque police officer running as the Republican challenger for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.
Gabe Vasquez
Gabe Vasquez is the Democrat who won New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District seat in 2024 and is the incumbent in the race.
NMPBS
NMPBS is New Mexico's public broadcasting service, which hosted the candidate interviews on its New Mexico in Focus program.
The details
Host Nash Jones interviewed both 2nd District candidates on New Mexico in Focus. Cunningham, a former Marine and Albuquerque police officer from the South Valley, said he would stand with the president on some issues but not all, and that his law enforcement experience informs his public safety positions.
Timeline
2024: The district voted for Trump and elected Democrat Gabe Vasquez to Congress.
2026: The midterm election features the 2nd Congressional District as a closely watched race.
Political Context
The 2nd District's 2024 split result, with Trump carrying it while Democrat Gabe Vasquez won the seat, sets the baseline for Cunningham's 2026 challenge. Republicans view the race as a potential flip, which makes the district's split vote the central context for the contest.
Cunningham's proposals would affect RECA-covered exposure claimants and fentanyl sentencing if enacted by Congress. Voters in the 2nd District will weigh these positions when choosing a representative in the 2026 midterm.
The takeaway
Voters in New Mexico's 2nd District face a race where a former police officer's public safety record is central to the contest. The district's 2024 split result suggests the outcome may turn on how voters weigh candidates' positions on crime and affordability.
Further reading
Explore more New Mexico Law Enforcement coverage for context on public safety policy in the state.
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