Cunningham pledges crime bill as first act

Republican challenger Greg Cunningham said he will introduce a national crime bill if he wins the race for New Mexico's Second Congressional District. The measure would revise federal sentencing guidelines for fentanyl offenses and place retired police officers in local middle and high schools. Cunningham described the proposal as a modernized version of the 1994 National Crime Bill.

Cunningham, a former Marine and Albuquerque police officer from the South Valley, said his law enforcement background shapes his view on public safety. He argued that officers need assurance that the government supports them while they perform their duties. He criticized incumbent Democrat Gabe Vasquez for stating he wants to hold Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents accountable for their actions.

"When you tell me 'I'm going to hold you accountable for doing your job,' what you're telling me and the way that's being interpreted is you're saying I'm doing something wrong," Cunningham said. He added that such language puts officers at financial and legal risk.

In an interview on the New Mexico in Focus program, Cunningham addressed his relationship with the White House. He stated that calling himself a Trump ally is no longer accurate. He noted that as a police officer, he swore an oath to the citizens of New Mexico, not to a specific political figure.

Cunningham identified one area where he differs from President Trump: the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. He said the state needs to streamline the RECA application process, increase award amounts, and provide healthcare for individuals affected by environmental poisons. He called this a place where he stands apart to prioritize New Mexicans.

On the issue of affordability, Cunningham pointed to the state's oil and gas industry. He said diesel fuel is used to transport products to store shelves and that New Mexico has the capability to provide stable prices. He argued that Democratic policies have hindered the industry, contributing to higher costs for consumers.

The Second District is a focal point in this year's election because it voted for Donald Trump in 2024 but elected Democrat Gabe Vasquez to Congress. Republicans are attempting to flip the seat to prevent Democrats from taking control of the House.