2024 NM 02 – US House Race

Summary

The 2024 United States House District 2 election in in New Mexico will be held on November 5, 2024. The seat is currently held by Gabe Vasquez.

The two leading candidates are Gabe Vasquez– Democrat and Yvette Herrell– Republican.

The 2nd district encapsulates southern and western New Mexico, including the cities of Las Cruces, Carlsbad, and Alamogordo, as well as the southwestern suburbs of Albuquerque. Gabe Vasquez, who flipped the district and was elected with 50.34% of the vote in 2022.

New Mexico’s 2nd congressional district

OnAir Post: 2024 NM 02 – US House Race

News

Border Crisis Is Personal in Battleground US House District
Bloomberg News, Billy House – April 16, 2024

New Mexico’s southernmost district could decide House control
Family histories span district’s 180-mile border with Mexico

About

Money

Total Raised and Spent

Download .csv file

Candidate	Raised	Spent	Cash on Hand	Last Report
Yvette Herrell (R)	$1,819,182	$826,685	$1,099,603	05/15/2024
Gabe Vasquez (D) • Incumbent	$3,005,287	$1,007,375	$2,020,689	05/15/2024

Source: Open Secrets

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size^[c]	Margin of error	Gabe Vasquez (D)	Yvette Herrell (R)	Undecided
SurveyUSA	September 6–12, 2023	541 (LV)	± 4.8%	45%	46%	9%

Web Links

Gabe Vasquez

Current Position: US Representative of NM-01 since 2021
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: Member of the Las Cruces City Council from 2017 to 2021
District: southern half of New Mexico, including Las Cruces, and the southern fourth of Albuquerque.
Upcoming Election: Running for relection to House seat NM 02.

From 2008 to 2011, he was the business editor of the Las Cruces Bulletin. In 2011, he was the executive director of the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. From 2013 to 2015, he served as a field representative for Senator Martin Heinrich.

In 2015 and 2016, Vasquez was the vice president of communications for First Focus, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization. From 2016 to 2018, he was the director of community relations for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. In 2018 and 2019, he was the deputy director of New Mexico’s chapter of the Wilderness Society. From 2019 to 2021, he worked as deputy director of the Western Conservation Foundation.

OnAir Post: Gabe Vasquez NM-02

Yvette Herrell

Current Position: Realtor
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2024 US Representative for District 2
Former Positions: Congresswoman for NM-02; State Delegate from 2011 – 2019

Quotes:
The Biden administration must admit that our border crisis is also a public health crisis. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass the SHIELD/PAUSE Act, which would preserve America’s ability to stop Covid at our borders.

OnAir Post: Yvette Herrell

Issues

Gabe Vasquez

Agriculture

Before joining Congress, Vasquez spent time working in Deming at a chile factory and understands first-hand that New Mexico is a vital part of America’s agricultural sector. Our farmers, ranchers and farmworkers from the South Valley to the Hatch Valley work the land every day to ensure all Americans have access to safe, affordable, American-grown food. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Vasquez is working alongside them to support New Mexico’s agriculture economy in the Farm Bill. Vasquez is also committed to protecting and expanding SNAP benefits, a lifeline for so many New Mexicans.

Armed Services & National Security

Our military service members and their families play a crucial role in our national security. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Vasquez is working to bring home results and investments for our service members, military families, and the communities that depend on well-funded military installations and research facilities. New Mexico is a critical component of our national security, and Vasquez is proud to represent our state and national interests.

Education & Family Support

nvesting in students means investing in our future. Rep. Vasquez believes that education boosts New Mexico’s competitiveness by equipping the next generation with essential skills to strengthen our workforce. That’s why prioritizing early childhood education, family support, and post-graduation opportunities ensures a solid foundation for the future.

Here are some ways Vasquez has been working to make this a reality:

Supporting Working Families

Introduced his Lowering Costs Plan, which includes several bills to help cut costs from the grocery store to the gas station.
Voted to expand the Child Tax Credit, benefiting more than 59K children in the district, and continues to work on expanding the credit to its full potential through the American Families Act.
Voted to slash prescription costs and ensure price transparency by passing the bipartisan Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.
Fighting to preserve theAffordable Connectivity Program to make high-speed internet more accessible for low-income families and students.

Student Education & Well-Being

Introduced the Parity for Tribal Educators Act to give every child in New Mexico a fair shot at success by keeping Tribal schools staffed with quality educators.
Advocated for mental health services in schools through the Mental Health Services for Students Act, ensuring students’ well-being.
Enhanced school safety measures and promoted bullying prevention efforts with the Safe Schools Improvement Act.
Championed cleaner school buses with the Community Facilities Program for Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act, providing safer transportation for rural students.
Secured $16M Head Start grant and increased funding to support early childhood education.

Environment & Conservation

Vasquez, a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman, is deeply committed to safeguarding New Mexico’s public lands. He is championing smart climate solutions to ensure future generations have access to clean water, air and lands.

Here are some ways he has worked to protect New Mexico’s natural beauty:

Public Lands	Wildfire Prevention & Management	Climate Solutions
Introduced the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act to protect rivers and creeks in the Gila River. Leading the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, ensuring public lands remain accessible to all. As a former staffer for Senator Heinrich, Rep. Vasquez worked with the community to help designate the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. Introduced the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) Completion Act to bring tourism and jobs to rural New Mexico.	Called for solutions to staffing shortages within the United States Forest Service (USFS) to prevent devastating wildfires. Held the Forest Service accountable for wildfire management by advocating for updated action plans and increased safety measures. Introduced the Utilizing Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act to direct the U.S. Forest Service to use all the tools in its toolbox to reduce wildfires – including livestock grazing for dry fuel reduction. Continues to increase funding for wildfire management and prevention efforts. Secured funding for better infrastructure to improve wildfire response times in Isleta, Valencia, and other rural communities.	Increased funding for climate change mitigation for the Department of Defense to address environmental challenges. Secured funding for five electric school buses for Las Cruces Public Schools, reducing harmful emissions to keep students safe. Supports climate solutions such as the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, designating over 1.5 million acres of land in Alaska for preservation. Acquired $63M in federal funding for the development of electric truck charging stations, fostering emission reduction along the I-10 corridor and advancing the transition to electric vehicles.

Immigration & Border Solutions

Rep. Vasquez is a first-generation Mexican-American who has lived on both sides of the border. Vasquez is committed to creating bipartisan opportunities to fix our broken immigration system during one of the most trying political environments in our nation’s history. He is a proud co-sponsor of the American Dream and Promise Act to establish a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers. Vasquez also introduced a package of common-sense bills that addresses different parts of our immigration system and the challenges we face at the border. This legislative package is informed by the people of New Mexico, for the people of New Mexico.

His package of immigration and border solutions includes:

STRENGTHENING OUR WORKFORCE ACT: Our farm workers, energy workers, teachers, health care workers, and others— are the economic engine of our society. This bill provides immigrants who work in critical jobs a pathway to lawful permanent residency.
HUMANE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: We must address the abuse and neglect that occurs within federally sanctioned detention centers. This bill provides oversight, accountability and data to ensure families and children, who are legally seeking asylum, are treated with dignity, humanity and respect.
STOP COYOTES ACT: Coyotes and cartels are taking advantage of women and children on their journey to the US. This bill would impose higher penalties for those who are convicted of human trafficking and those who engage minors in their illicit activities.
SMART BORDER PROTECTION ACT: The majority of illegal drugs that come into this country, particularly fentanyl, are confiscated at our ports of entry. Smart, non-intrusive inspection technology, such as the new MEP at Santa Teresa, is a game-changer. This technology detects drugs and speeds up wait times for commercial traffic and non-commercial vehicular traffic. This bill will tackle the nation’s fentanyl crisis by implementing this technology and increasing staff to effectively operate it.
FARM WORKFORCE SUPPORT ACT: The shortage of agricultural farm workers is also a deep concern for New Mexico. In places like Deming, Arrey, and Lemitar, Vasquez has heard directly from producers about the shortage of workers. He believes we can meet the demands of feeding our nation with sound immigration policy that also protects farm workers and their families. This bill paves the way to reform the existing agricultural workforce program.

Rep. Vasquez has been calling on Congress to address our broken immigration system and provide emergency federal funding to support border communities. In addition, Vasquez has been leading the effort to secure funding to stop fentanyl smuggling by installing new technology at our ports of entry.

Keeping Energy Costs Down

Rep. Vasquez stands by the energy workers who fuel America’s energy economy. He believes in an all-of-the-above approach with oil and gas and clean energy to diversify our economy and bring more jobs to New Mexico. More investments in American energy will decrease prices for families like yours and protect our economy with reliable energy sources.

Learn more about Vasquez’s work to:

Prioritizing Energy Workers: New Mexico’s fossil fuel industry makes up about half of the state’s revenue and is largely located within Vasquez’s district. That’s why he introduced theEnergy Workers Health Improvement and Compensation Fund Act. The fund aims to better compensate oil field workers and their immediate relatives who experience health impacts related to their jobs, and ensure that those who are powering our economy have the health care they deserve.
Supporting Domestic Energy: Vasquez introduced language on the House floor to prioritize domestic energy, and keep costs down by ensuring energy produced in America is used by Americans first.
Lowering Utility Bills: He also championed affordable energy solutions for struggling New Mexicans by demanding transparency and long-term solutions from Symmetry Energy Solutions— making sure utility bills remain manageable.
Clean Energy Jobs: Vasquez has championed major investments into New Mexico including companies like Maxeon which will bring thousands of jobs to the Albuquerque area to manufacture solar panels, and Arcosa which is bringing 250 new jobs to Belen to manufacture wind towers. He has also secured more than $63M in funding for projects such as electric truck charging stations as well as carbon capture and storage technology which will diversify energy sources, but also create jobs and make energy more affordable for families.
Renewable Energy Transition: Rep. Vasquez strongly supports transmission projects like the Sun Zia and Southline Transmission Projects that will help bring clean energy to people’s homes.

Read more about how Vasquez is prioritizing energy workers:

US Rep. Gabe Vasquez Introduces Bill To Compensate New Mexico’s Oil Workers For Injuries, Las Cruces Sun News
Vasquez Bill Calls For Health Care For Energy Workers, Albuquerque Journal
US Rep. Gabe Vasquez Talks Balancing Oil And Gas And Conservation During Carlsbad Stop, The Carlsbad Current-Argus
Oil Worker Health Care Fund Is Sought By New Mexico Congressman In Swing District, The Associated Press

To learn about how Vasquez is fighting to protect our environment, click here.

Lower Costs, More Jobs

As New Mexicans continue to feel the pressure of inflation, Vasquez is hearing from families about the challenges they face. That’s why he unveiled his Lower Costs Plan, a commitment to easing the burden of inflation, creating good-paying jobs and ensuring that working families’ hard-earned dollars stay where they belong – in their own homes. The plan is made up of multiple bills that Vasquez has introduced and will continue to push to address the economic challenges of working families.

There are over 150,000 small businesses in our state, and they account for 99% of all businesses in New Mexico. Our national economy–and our local economies–are built on the backs of small businesses. In his Lower Costs Plan, Vasquez is committed to bringing more jobs to the area and uplifting small businesses. Check out the full plan here.

Here are some ways Vasquez has worked to bring more jobs and cut your costs:

More Money in Your Wallet

Introduced the Inflation Relief Actto lower taxes for hard-working families to help ease the burden of inflation, providing the average New Mexican family with an extra $900
Voted to pass the bipartisan expanded Child Tax Credit that benefits 59K children in the district
Co-sponsored the Combating Rural Inflation Actto address high prices in rural counties
Fought to preserve the Affordable Connectivity Program to make high-speed internet more accessible for low-income families
Standing up to utility companies to keep costs down
Led the PATIENT Act to put patients’ needs over corporate profits to keep your costs low

Prioritizing Job Creation & Boosting Small Businesses

Championed the Rural Jobs Actwhich increases investments in rural small businesses
Introduced theEconomic Opportunity for Border Communities Act to target federal investments for places such as Santa Teresa & Sunland Park to bring more jobs to the area
Stimulated local economies by securing historic Community Project Funding for initiatives that will bring tens of thousands of jobs to the area.
Supports theNurse Corps Tax Parity Act to create more health care jobs and make sure every family can get the care they need.
Co-sponsored the One Stop Shop for Small Businesses Act to cut administrative costs.
HostedU.S. Small Business Administrator Guzman in Las Cruces to discuss challenges and opportunities with local businesses in southern New Mexico

Supporting Rural Communities: Vasquez is committed to ensuring that rural communities and colonias aren’t left behind. He is working hard to invest in our rural areas and has announced several bills that focus primarily on rural infrastructure and development, including the Expanding Regional Airports Act and theStronger Communities Through Better Transit Act, and the Rural Internet Improvement Act to address transportation and connectivity disparities.

Making Health Care Affordable & Accessible

1 in 5 rural New Mexicans have trouble accessing health care and over half of NM’s hospitals report critical staff shortages. From lowering health care costs to increasing accessibility, Rep. Vasquez is working to ensure New Mexicans have the resources they need to lead healthy lives.

Here are some examples of how Vasquez is fighting to make health care more accessible and affordable:

Affordable Health Care and Nutrition	Increased Accessibility & Safety
Voted to slash prescription costs, expand coverage for seniors and ensure price transparency by passing the bipartisan Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. Voted to expand critical food assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC programs to ensure hard working families can put food on the table. Advocated for the Energy Workers Health Improvement and Compensation Fund Act to ensure those who power our economy receive the health care they deserve. Championed the Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act, providing financial assistance for nurses without taxation. Led the PATIENT Act to put patients’ needs over corporate profits to keep your costs low.	Led the Doctors of Community Act andRural Physician Workforce Production Act to address the doctor shortage in rural areas. Championed the Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act, aiding rural health centers to improve equipment and services. Secured millions of dollars in grants to elevate health care standards in Tribal and rural areas. Supported upgrading public water systems in rural areas for improved safety by pushing for the Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act, Clean Water Actand FLOW Act. Working to bring more doctors and nurses to New Mexico to ensure access to critical care.

Affordable Health Care and Nutrition

Increased Accessibility & Safety

Voted to slash prescription costs, expand coverage for seniors and ensure price transparency by passing the bipartisan Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.
Voted to expand critical food assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC programs to ensure hard working families can put food on the table.
Advocated for the Energy Workers Health Improvement and Compensation Fund Act to ensure those who power our economy receive the health care they deserve.
Championed the Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act, providing financial assistance for nurses without taxation.
Led the PATIENT Act to put patients’ needs over corporate profits to keep your costs low.

Led the Doctors of Community Act andRural Physician Workforce Production Act to address the doctor shortage in rural areas.
Championed the Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act, aiding rural health centers to improve equipment and services.
Secured millions of dollars in grants to elevate health care standards in Tribal and rural areas.
Supported upgrading public water systems in rural areas for improved safety by pushing for the Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act, Clean Water Actand FLOW Act.
Working to bring more doctors and nurses to New Mexico to ensure access to critical care.

Protecting Reproductive Rights and Health Care Freedom

Vasquez will always be a champion for women’s reproductive care. He is a leader on the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade and led an effort to protect reproductive health care access for military service members. Vasquez also signed an amicus brief to the US Supreme Court standing up for women and their reproductive rights by ensuring the continued availability of mifepristone.

Rights & Freedoms

The preservation of rights and freedoms is the cornerstone of our democracy. Rep. Vasquez passionately advocates for the protection of our fundamental freedoms. From defending voting rights to championing reproductive choice, equality and responsible gun ownership, he’s dedicated to ensuring our liberties endure.

Commitment to Democracy: As a steadfast advocate for democracy, Vasquez stands firm in protecting the fundamental right to vote. He has proudly co-sponsored both the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. These crucial pieces of legislation aim to safeguard voting rights for all Americans to ensure that every citizen has the freedom to participate in our democratic process, promoting fairness and accessibility in elections.
Commitment to Reproductive Freedom:Vasquez believes that healthcare decisions are between you, your doctor and your faith. He is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the essential healthcare services they need, including reproductive healthcare.He is a proud co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade and has led efforts to safeguard reproductive health care access for service members.
Commitment to Equality:As a member of the Equality Caucus and a champion of the Equality Act, Vasquez is committed to advancing legislation that ensures equal rights and protections for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. He believes in fostering a society where everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination.
Commitment to Responsible Gun Ownership: Vasquez is a proud hunter, angler and responsible gun owner who understands that we need to enact common sense gun safety laws that will help make our families safer, while protecting the Second Amendment. He is leading common sense gun violence prevention bills, including the Bipartisan Background Checks Act to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and the Assault Weapons Ban to keep our children safe.

Supporting Tribal Communities

Indigenous peoples have profoundly shaped New Mexico’s history, culture and landscape. That’s why Rep. Vasquez is honored to work alongside the Tribes and Pueblos in New Mexico to uplift indigenous communities and advocate for equitable policies across the district. With seven federally recognized tribes in his district, Vasquez stands with Native communities and will continue to be a partner to bring justice and prosperity, uphold treaties, and protect culture and tradition.

Here are some ways he has worked to do support Indian Country:

Fighting for Equity for Tribes & Pueblos

Introduced the Parity for Tribal Educators Act to address the teacher shortage in Indian Country and ensure teachers at Tribal schools have access to retirement benefits.
Led the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Actto enhance public safety within Tribal communities.
Championed the REACH Our Tribes Act to amplify the voices of Tribal Governments in decisions affecting their communities.
Advocated for the expansion of RECA to address historical injustices and provide support for individuals affected by radiation.
Supported initiatives such as the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Actand the Strengthening Tribal Families Act to provide resources for victims of domestic violence and ensure compliance with Indian Child Welfare Act.
Pushed for for New Mexico’s Pueblo’s water rights through cosponsorship of theRio San Jose and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act.

Securing Funding for Tribal Communities

Led the Tribal HUD-VASH Act to provide housing assistance and support services for Native American veterans.
Voted to extend the Special Diabetes Program for Indians to help address health disparities in Tribal communities. .
Fighting to ensure the US upholds its trust responsibility to Indian Country by fully funding the Indian Health Service and other key programs to support education, infrastructure, and general wellbeing.
Championed the bipartisan Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act to fulfill the US governments trust responsibility and provide full and consistent funding for IHS and BIE programs.
Cosponsored the bipartisan Carcieri Fix bill to improve the process for taking land into trust.

Supporting Our Veterans

Veterans of our armed forces are vital members of our community, and deserve access to the best programs and care available. Representative Vasquez will always work to ensure that the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country receive the care and support they deserve.

If you are a veteran and need assistance accessing your VA benefits or need assistance with other federal agencies, please click here.

Here are some ways he has been working to support our vets:

Access to Care and Outreach	Advocacy and Support	Benefits and Assistance
Led the Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Actto help veterans in rural areas get transportation to VA or VA-authorized health care facilities. Advocated for the Veteran Medical Exams for Distant Areas Act to increase access to care for rural veterans. Pushed for the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act to enhance outreach and assistance programs for veterans and their families. Introduced the GUARD VA Benefits Act to protect veterans from predatory groups and ensure they receive their entitled benefits.	Championed the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act to amplify veteran voices by increasing the number of patient advocates within the VA. Supported the Not Just a Number Act to enhance suicide prevention efforts among veterans. Advocated for the BRAVE Act to provide mental health resources and services for veterans who have faced traumatic experiences.	Voted to increase resources to support homeless veterans and provide mental health care. Ensured veterans with combat-related injuries receive their Department of Defense (DOD) and VA benefits through the Major Richard Star Act. Assisted homeless veterans in transitioning to stable housing with the Return Home to Housing Act. Expanded eligibility for work-study allowance programs for student veterans with the Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act.

Yvette Herrell

CREATING JOBS & OPPORTUNITY

Too many New Mexicans are feeling the pain of Washington’s policies in their everyday lives. From high prices to a stagnant economy, we deserve better and Yvette Herrell is a proven job creator who can get to work on day one to put America back on track.

LOWER PRICES ON EVERY THING FROM GROCERIES TO GAS

HOLD GOVERNMENT SPENDING IN CHECK

MAKE AMERICA ENERGY INDEPENDENT AGAIN

KEEP WASHINGTON FOCUSSED ON WHAT MATTERS

END OUR DEPENDENCE ON CHINA & RESTORE THE AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAIN THROUGH MANUFACTURING HERE
We can put Americans back to work if we end the subsidies that keep them home and make it easier to manufacture in America, create jobs, and start a small business. That starts with reducing burdensome regulations and using common sense.

KEEPING AMERICANS SAFE

Washington has left Americans to fend for themselves on the Southern Border and we are done with their false promises and lack of attention. There is a real human and national security crisis happening and we need leaders who understand.

SECURE THE BORDER & SUPPORT BORDER PATROL

INVEST IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, NOT DEFUND THEM

HOLD CRIMINALS ACCOUNTABLE & FOLLOW THE LAW

HOLD CHINA ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS

INVEST IN OUR NATIONAL SECURITY, EXPAND ON THE IMPORTANT WORK BEING DONE RIGHT HERE IN NEW MEXICO
Radical woke elites in Washington want to defund the police and let China dictate how we live our lives. We the people have had enough, it’s time we change course and hold those who do us harm accountable for their actions, foreign and domestic.

WE THE PEOPLE, NOT THE ELITES

The political class in Washington have forgotten about the hardworking, middle-class of America. Government works for us and Yvette Herrell has and will continue to hold government accountable to the American people.

CARE FOR OUR VETERANS & GET THE VA ON TRACK

PROTECT OUR CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOMS

STOP THE RADICAL GREEN AGENDA & LOWER OUR GAS PRICES

RESTORE FAITH IN OUR ELECTORAL SYSTEMS

STOP THE WOKE POLITICS THAT DIVIDE OUR NATION & START WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE THE REAL PROBLEMS
Government should not be used to divide the people and push one radical agenda over another. We need our leaders to work together to make life easier, because every American is struggling under policies that have not prioritized We the People.

STANDING FOR OUR VALUES

New Mexico is a unique place to call home. Beautiful and diverse, but often times left behind. Decades of failed policies have left our kids not ready to compete and our families struggling to make ends meet. We can and must do better for New Mexico.

GET POLITICS OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

MORE PARENT OVERSIGHT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

SUPPORT OUR FARMERS & RANCHERS

FIGHT FOR OUR WATER RIGHTS & PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS

STOP GOVERNMENT OVERREACH INTO OUR LIVES AND PROTECT THE HARDWORKING FAMILIES OF NEW MEXICO
Our farmers & ranchers are faced with increased costs on everything and government seems to only stand in the way. Yvette Herrell has always been a tireless champion o