GOP candidate targets Hispanic voters to flip New Mexico congressional seat

A congressional candidate from New Mexico is betting that his Hispanic ties — and military background — are just the thing in Democratic history they’ll need to go Republican in the fall.

“I connect with them on that level. They wanted someone with law enforcement or military experience, now you know, I have both,” said Greg Cunningham, speaking of the Hispanic community in the state’s 2nd Congressional District.

“One of the reasons I decided to run – is that I feel very strongly about, you know, the Hispanic culture at the core of which is a conservative culture.”

Cunningham’s hope that the GOP can win the Hispanic vote, a Democratic voting bloc, continues a long-standing effort by Republicans to turn the tide among minorities, especially in districts that could decide the balance of power in 2026.

That’s especially true in New Mexico’s second congressional district — currently held by Rep. Gabe Vasquez, DN.M.

He is one of thirteen who voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, but that sent a Democratic representative to Congress. The Cook Political Report shows the district “leaning” Democratic, with a D+0 rating.

Cunningham, who became the GOP’s default candidate after one primary challenger dropped out in April, will be the first new GOP voters to consider starting in 2018. Former Rep. Yvette Herrell, a candidate since then, narrowly lost in 2024 by 4.2% to Vasquez.

Cunningham believes his background aligns with the district’s challenges.

A Marine veteran who served in the military, Cunningham joined the Albuquerque Police Department, spent years in patrol and narcotics, worked as a DEA task force officer in drug and cartel cases and later worked in undercover roles before moving into private security.

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DEA agents and police officers stand next to a white car on a Los Angeles street after a federal arrest related to drug trafficking on May 6, 2026. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)

“I love Yvette Herrell, but I’m a different person in every way, shape, and form. And what I bring to CD2 and to this race is exactly what we need,” Cunningham said.

Specifically, Cunningham believes his background will help address high crime and drug rates that have persisted despite reduced levels of illegal immigration.

“The civilian attack part of that equation is being solved. Law enforcement, human trafficking, drug trafficking, all of those challenges are exactly the same challenges I faced when I worked there 20 years ago. Nothing has changed,” Cunningham said.

But beyond his practical knowledge and experience, Cunningham said he hopes to instill values ​​that are important to the Hispanic community.

“We value our families, we value our traditions, we value our faith. So, I think if you take a Republican or a Democrat, take the donkey or the elephant out of it, and start talking to people on a basic level, who are you?” Cunningham said.

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The American flag and the New Mexico state flag fly near the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe, NM (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

“We all want the same things,” he added.

New Mexico is about 50% Hispanic, according to the US Census Bureau.

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Like all Democratic strongholds and competitive districts, Cunningham believes part of the battle will be convincing voters that Republicans can secure the seat in the first place.

“I have to confirm [Mew Mexico’s 2nd congressional district] why can’t we overcome this,” said Cunningham.