ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Corey Zimmerman, a hospice chaplain and first-time Republican candidate for New Mexico House District 26, says concerns about healthcare access, public safety and economic opportunity motivated his decision to enter the race against longtime incumbent Rep. Eleanor Chávez.
Zimmerman, who works in hospice care and has served in pastoral ministry, discussed his campaign during a recent appearance on The Chile Wire podcast with host Abe Baldonado.
A native of North Dakota who has spent much of his adult life in New Mexico, Zimmerman said his background in ministry and healthcare has shaped his approach to public service. Since 2014, he has worked as a hospice chaplain, helping patients and families navigate end-of-life care while also assisting with grief support programs.
“I’ve been a public servant my entire life,” Zimmerman said. “As a pastor and chaplain, I’ve spent years helping people through some of the hardest moments they’ll ever face.”
Zimmerman said his interest in politics grew after following legislative debates in Santa Fe, particularly proposals affecting gun rights and business activity. He said he became increasingly concerned about what he viewed as policies that threaten constitutional rights and economic growth.
House District 26 includes portions of Albuquerque’s West Side and South Valley. Zimmerman said many residents he has spoken with while campaigning are unfamiliar with their legislative district or the positions taken by their elected representatives.
“That told me there was a disconnect,” Zimmerman said. “People want to know what’s happening in Santa Fe and how it affects their lives.”
Healthcare access emerged as one of the central issues Zimmerman identified during the interview. He pointed to physician shortages across New Mexico and argued that the state must take steps to retain doctors and other medical professionals.
Zimmerman said he is developing legislation that would eliminate certain taxes on healthcare workers and healthcare services while increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates. He also supports additional medical malpractice reforms, arguing that liability concerns are driving healthcare providers to neighboring states.
“Doctors, nurses and healthcare workers need incentives to stay in New Mexico,” Zimmerman said. “We need more hospitals, more clinics and more access to care.”
In addition to healthcare, Zimmerman highlighted public safety and education as top priorities. He argued that rising crime and a lack of accountability in government have contributed to declining quality of life in some communities.
He also called for improvements in education outcomes and greater emphasis on vocational and trade programs alongside traditional college pathways.
“Not every student needs a four-year degree,” Zimmerman said. “We need to support trades, entrepreneurship and career training because those opportunities can lead to successful and rewarding careers.”
Zimmerman also voiced support for New Mexico’s oil and gas industry, describing it as a key driver of state revenue and economic development. He argued that policymakers should focus on expanding economic opportunities while maintaining responsible regulation.
The candidate said he believes New Mexico has the resources and talent necessary to improve its standing in areas such as education, healthcare and economic growth.
“We have tremendous potential,” Zimmerman said. “The question is whether we’re willing to make the changes necessary to move the state forward.”
The 2026 election will determine whether Zimmerman can unseat Chávez, who has represented the district in the New Mexico House of Representatives for multiple terms. The race is expected to draw attention as Republicans seek to expand their representation in the Legislature while campaigning on issues including public safety, healthcare reform and economic development.
