When we look at what New Mexico’s Second Congressional District needs from its representative, we believe the answer is simple: someone who understands our communities, respects the people who work hard to support their families, and is willing to stand up for the interests that make our state strong.
That is why we endorse Greg Cunningham for Congress.
Cunningham has built his life around service. As a Marine, he served our nation. As a longtime Albuquerque police officer and detective, he worked to protect our communities. His experience was earned through years of responsibility, difficult decisions, and direct engagement with the people he served. He understands that public service is not about political talking points. It is about showing up, taking responsibility, and doing the work.
We believe those qualities matter in Congress, especially at a time when too many Americans have lost confidence in their elected officials.
New Mexico’s energy industry deserves a stronger voice.
The Permian Basin, one of the most productive energy-producing regions in the country, sits right in our district. Its success supports thousands of jobs, small businesses, public revenues, and communities across southern New Mexico. From oil field workers to truck drivers, contractors, and local restaurants, the benefits extend far beyond the oil field.
We should never take that economic contribution for granted.
Gabe Vasquez has had the opportunity to represent this district, yet we believe he has failed to provide the consistent, unequivocal advocacy our energy industry deserves. Supporting responsible energy development should not be a partisan issue when so many New Mexican families depend on it for their livelihoods.
We can protect our environment while recognizing the value of domestic energy production. We can encourage innovation while supporting the workers who keep our economy moving. What we cannot afford is a representative who leaves an industry central to our district’s prosperity wondering whether Washington is on its side.
We believe Cunningham understands what is at stake and would bring a more supportive, practical approach to an industry that helps power New Mexico.
Public safety is personal to our communities.
We also believe our communities deserve a representative who understands the importance of law enforcement.
Vasquez has faced criticism over his 2020 comments concerning defunding police. Although he has since said he does not support defunding law enforcement, those earlier remarks remain part of the public record, including a recent debate in which Vasquez acknowledged that he was the person appearing in the footage at the center of the controversy.
Voters have every right to ask questions about them and to expect clarity from their representative.
For us, this issue is about more than political disagreements. It is about whether families feel safe in their neighborhoods and whether officers have the resources and support they need to do their jobs.
Cunningham brings firsthand experience to that conversation. His years in law enforcement give him an understanding of the challenges officers face and the responsibility that comes with protecting the public. We believe public safety and accountability can go hand in hand, and that supporting our officers is essential to building safer communities.
Working families deserve policies that reward their hard work.
New Mexicans are feeling the cost of everyday necessities. Families need relief, and they deserve representatives who carefully consider policies that could leave more money in their pockets.
In 2025, Vasquez opposed the Working Families and Tax Cuts Act that included provisions for no tax on tips and other permanent tax relief initiatives. The broader debate also included education-related tax incentives intended to give families greater flexibility in pursuing educational opportunities for their children.
We recognize that major legislation deserves scrutiny and that reasonable people can disagree over its provisions. But we believe tax relief for working families and expanded opportunities for prosperity deserve serious consideration, it unfortunately appears that Congressman Vasquez believes in automatic rejection along party lines.
New Mexico families work hard for what they earn and they deserve a representative who prioritizes their ability to keep more of it and make choices that best serve their children.
Accountability in Washington matters, too.
We should expect members of Congress to hold themselves to high ethical standards and protect public confidence in our elections.
Vasquez voted against H.R. 7008, a measure addressing congressional insider trading that also included voter-identification provisions. While he raised objections to the bill’s approach, we believe voters deserve clear answers about how their representative intends to address both issues.
The public has expressed strong support for voter identification. A February 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 81% of Americans favored requiring voters to show government-issued photo identification, including majorities of both Republicans and Democrats.
That level of support deserves attention. We should be able to protect election integrity while ensuring eligible Americans can exercise their right to vote. Likewise, lawmakers should face meaningful safeguards against using public office for personal financial gain. We believe these are issues Congress should address with urgency and good faith.
It is time for a representative who embraces all of CD2.
The Second Congressional District is home to energy workers, small-business owners, law enforcement officers, veterans, educators, and families working toward a better future. We should be proud of that diversity and the economic opportunities our communities offer.
We believe Greg Cunningham understands the people who make this district strong because he has spent his life serving them. His military and law enforcement backgrounds offer practical experience that Washington needs, while his commitment to New Mexico gives us confidence that he will put our communities first.
Gabe Vasquez has had his chance. We believe the district deserves a new direction—one grounded in service, public safety, economic opportunity, and accountability.
The Sentinel Editorial Board endorses Greg Cunningham for Congress. We believe he is the right choice to represent the district, champion its people and industries, and harness everything CD2 has to offer for the future success of New Mexico.
