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Gabe Vasquez has represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District in the House of Representatives since 2022. He is running for re-election in one of the most competitives races in the nation. Support his campaign by making a donation here. 

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Updated 08/21/2026
OVERVIEW
Greg Cunningham is a right-wing extremist who will put his loyalty to Donald Trump ahead of doing what’s right for New Mexico. Gabe Vasquez has always put party politics aside and put New Mexico first to deliver real results.
SUMMARY
Starting ten weeks before the election, Voters, especially registered Independents, Hispanic voters, and voters under age 55, need to see broadcast TV ads in both the Albuquerque and El Paso media markets, see digital ads on YouTube, streaming, and OTT, that:
Greg Cunningham is a right-wing extremist who will put his loyalty to Donald Trump ahead of doing what’s right for New Mexico. Cunningham has admitted that he is “absolutely” a right-wing extremist and that his “number one priority” will be supporting Donald Trump’s agenda – whether it’s best for New Mexico or not – which is why he’s Donald Trump’s handpicked candidate. Greg Cunningham will do what’s best for Donald Trump even when it drives up costs for struggling New Mexico families and causes thousands to lose their healthcare.
Starting ten weeks before the election, Voters, especially registered Independents, Hispanic voters, and voters under age 55, need to see broadcast TV ads in both the Albuquerque and El Paso media markets, see digital ads on YouTube, streaming, and OTT, that:
First, growing up in New Mexico’s borderlands, Gabe Vasquez learned the value of hard work from his single mother. He worked his way through college and served on the Las Cruces City Council before being elected to Congress. In Congress, Vasquez has put partisanship aside and put New Mexico FIRST. He brought Republicans and Democrats together to stop Trump from selling our public lands and got us the funds we need to prevent and recover from wildfires. He voted to fund 22,000 new border agents and was one of only four Democrats to vote for a bill investing in New Mexico’s military bases.
Second, Gabe Vasquez is fighting back against the corruption in Washington because he believes too many politicians look out for their own bottom line while doing nothing to hold price-gouging corporations accountable and lower costs. Gabe does not own or trade any individual stocks and is leading a bipartisan fight to  ban members of Congress from trading stocks and stop government officials from using their insider knowledge to make a profit from prediction markets.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
It is important that Hispanic voters hear ads in both English and Spanish in the El Paso and Albuquerque media markets.
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Gabe Vasquez has represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District in the House of Representatives since 2022. He is running for re-election in one of the most competitives races in the nation. Support his campaign by making a donation
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Overview Backup 

Greg Cunningham is a right-wing extremist who will put his loyalty to Donald Trump ahead of doing what’s right 
for New Mexico. 

Greg Cunningham Is A Right-Wing Extremist Who Will Put His Loyalty To Donald Trump 
Ahead Of Doing What’s Right For New Mexico. 

Cunningham Said He Would “Absolutely” Be An “Extremist” When Asked By His Mom 

Cunningham Said He Would “Absolutely” Be An “Extremist” When Asked By His Mom. CUNNINGHAM: 
“My mother asked me, mijito, are you going to be one of those extremists?”  KOTKOWSKI: “And you answered 
yes.” CUNNINGHAM: “I said, absolutely, mom. You know, it is a funny story, but if you really sort of think about 
that for a second, you understand that that's sort of the indoctrination level that we're dealing with when a mother 
would ask her own son that she raised if he's going to be an extremist just because of his political affiliation. So 
that's that's the shell that we're trying to crack through with, with our people, with Hispanic people, and with our 
culture. Is that that shell of Republican, bad, Democrat, good. You know that it's that's not the case.” [Interview 
with Arik Kotkowski, 45:55, 2/6/26] (VIDEO) 

Cunningham: “I Believe [Trump’s] Policies Are Good For The People Of CD Two, And I'd Like To 
Help Further Those Policies” 

Cuningham: “In CD Two, I Think President Trump's Endorsement Is A Good Thing… I Believe His Policies 
Are Good For The People Of CD Two, And I'd Like To Help Further Those Policies.” CHACON: “Okay, Mr. 
Cunningham, I mentioned earlier that President Trump had endorsed your candidacy. Polling has shown that 
Trump's disapproval rating in New Mexico exceeds his approval rating in some cases, far exceeds it. Could his 
endorsement turn into a hindrance for you?” CUNNINGHAM: “In CD two? I don't think it can. No, I think again 
we're going back to what race we're talking about, what district, and those things matter. And in CD two, I think 
President Trump's endorsement is a good thing. I think it's something that will benefit me, and I really want to I. 
Deal with policy only as it pertains to President Trump. You know, President Trump is a grown man. I'm a grown 
man. I don't want to quibble with people over their opinions on another grown man, because I'm never going to 
change people's opinions on somebody, and so I really don't, don't go back and forth about what people think about 
him or his behavior or his, the words he chooses. Again, all I tell people is from a policy perspective. I believe his 
policies are good for the people of CD two, and I'd like to help further those policies, and as their representative, as 
someone that is applying for the job of, you know, representative for Congressional District Two, I will conduct 
myself in a way at all times that the people of CD Two will be proud of.” [Santa Fe New Mexican, Around the 
Roundhouse Podcast, 14:48, 6/11/26] (VIDEO) 

Cunningham Said Trump’s Agenda Would Be His “Number One Priority” In Congress 

Cunningham Regarding Priorities For Him In Congress, “The Most Important Thing Is, Right Now The 
President's Agenda...[That] Would Be My Number One Priority.” CUNNINGHAM: “Well, I think, in my 
view, the most important thing is, right now the President's agenda. I believe that the policies that the President is 
putting forward are great policies for America in general and CD two in particular. So going back to our 
conversation about the meaning of this seat, there is the way things are playing out, numbers wise, and with the 
redistricting going on around the country, DD two is going to be one of those seats that's targeted, and so DD two 
and and the decisions the I make as a congressman from CD two could actually, and again, this is not hyperbole. 
This is real. Could actually be the difference between the president getting his agenda through or we're going to be 
fighting impeachment hearings the next two years, and the government comes to a screeching halt. And so I think 
on a personal level, yes, coming from the law enforcement background and a family man and raising children, I 
absolutely have things that I have earmarked that I want to dig into. And again, it's the border issue. It's, you know, 
again, I have nine grandchildren, so, you know, safety and education, but the most pressing issue, the most pressing 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
need, is holding the house and getting the President's agenda through, and so that that is would be my number one 
priority of digging into these issues with with the people of the district and the people of New Mexico.” 
[Conservative News Talk, 37:48, 1/16/26] (AUDIO) 

Message #1 Backup 

Greg Cunningham is a right-wing extremist who will put his loyalty to Donald Trump ahead of doing what’s right 
for New Mexico. Cunningham has admitted that he is “absolutely” a right-wing extremist and that his “number 
one priority” will be supporting Donald Trump’s agenda – whether it’s best for New Mexico or not – which is why 
he’s Donald Trump’s handpicked candidate. Greg Cunningham will do what’s best for Donald Trump even when it 
drives up costs for struggling New Mexico families and causes thousands to lose their healthcare. 

Greg Cunningham Is A Right-Wing Extremist Who Will Put His Loyalty To Donald Trump 
Ahead Of Doing What’s Right For New Mexico.  

Cunningham Said He Would “Absolutely” Be An “Extremist” When Asked By His Mom 

Cunningham Said He Would “Absolutely” Be An “Extremist” When Asked By His Mom. CUNNINGHAM: 
“My mother asked me, mijito, are you going to be one of those extremists?”  KOTKOWSKI: “And you answered 
yes.” CUNNINGHAM: “I said, absolutely, mom. You know, it is a funny story, but if you really sort of think about 
that for a second, you understand that that's sort of the indoctrination level that we're dealing with when a mother 
would ask her own son that she raised if he's going to be an extremist just because of his political affiliation. So 
that's that's the shell that we're trying to crack through with, with our people, with Hispanic people, and with our 
culture. Is that that shell of Republican, bad, Democrat, good. You know that it's that's not the case.” [Interview 
with Arik Kotkowski, 45:55, 2/6/26] (VIDEO) 

Cunningham: “I Believe [Trump’s] Policies Are Good For The People Of CD Two, And I'd Like To 
Help Further Those Policies” 

Cuningham: “In CD Two, I Think President Trump's Endorsement Is A Good Thing… I Believe His Policies 
Are Good For The People Of CD Two, And I'd Like To Help Further Those Policies.” CHACON: “Okay, Mr. 
Cunningham, I mentioned earlier that President Trump had endorsed your candidacy. Polling has shown that 
Trump's disapproval rating in New Mexico exceeds his approval rating in some cases, far exceeds it. Could his 
endorsement turn into a hindrance for you?” CUNNINGHAM: “In CD two? I don't think it can. No, I think again 
we're going back to what race we're talking about, what district, and those things matter. And in CD two, I think 
President Trump's endorsement is a good thing. I think it's something that will benefit me, and I really want to I. 
Deal with policy only as it pertains to President Trump. You know, President Trump is a grown man. I'm a grown 
man. I don't want to quibble with people over their opinions on another grown man, because I'm never going to 
change people's opinions on somebody, and so I really don't, don't go back and forth about what people think about 
him or his behavior or his, the words he chooses. Again, all I tell people is from a policy perspective. I believe his 
policies are good for the people of CD two, and I'd like to help further those policies, and as their representative, as 
someone that is applying for the job of, you know, representative for Congressional District Two, I will conduct 
myself in a way at all times that the people of CD Two will be proud of.” [Santa Fe New Mexican, Around the 
Roundhouse Podcast, 14:48, 6/11/26] (VIDEO) 

Cunningham Has Admitted That He Is “Absolutely” A Right-Wing Extremist And That His 
“Number One Priority” Will Be Supporting Donald Trump’s Agenda – Whether It’s Best 
For New Mexico Or Not – Which Is Why He’s Donald Trump’s Handpicked Candidate.  

Cunningham Said He Would “Absolutely” Be An “Extremist” When Asked By His Mom 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cunningham Said He Would “Absolutely” Be An “Extremist” When Asked By His Mom. CUNNINGHAM: 
“My mother asked me, mijito, are you going to be one of those extremists?”  KOTKOWSKI: “And you answered 
yes.” CUNNINGHAM: “I said, absolutely, mom. You know, it is a funny story, but if you really sort of think about 
that for a second, you understand that that's sort of the indoctrination level that we're dealing with when a mother 
would ask her own son that she raised if he's going to be an extremist just because of his political affiliation. So 
that's that's the shell that we're trying to crack through with, with our people, with Hispanic people, and with our 
culture. Is that that shell of Republican, bad, Democrat, good. You know that it's that's not the case.” [Interview 
with Arik Kotkowski, 45:55, 2/6/26] (VIDEO) 

Cunningham Said Trump’s Agenda Would Be His “Number One Priority” In Congress 

Cunningham Regarding Priorities For Him In Congress, “The Most Important Thing Is, Right Now The 
President's Agenda...[That] Would Be My Number One Priority.” CUNNINGHAM: “Well, I think, in my 
view, the most important thing is, right now the President's agenda. I believe that the policies that the President is 
putting forward are great policies for America in general and CD two in particular. So going back to our 
conversation about the meaning of this seat, there is the way things are playing out, numbers wise, and with the 
redistricting going on around the country, DD two is going to be one of those seats that's targeted, and so DD two 
and and the decisions the I make as a congressman from CD two could actually, and again, this is not hyperbole. 
This is real. Could actually be the difference between the president getting his agenda through or we're going to be 
fighting impeachment hearings the next two years, and the government comes to a screeching halt. And so I think 
on a personal level, yes, coming from the law enforcement background and a family man and raising children, I 
absolutely have things that I have earmarked that I want to dig into. And again, it's the border issue. It's, you know, 
again, I have nine grandchildren, so, you know, safety and education, but the most pressing issue, the most pressing 
need, is holding the house and getting the President's agenda through, and so that that is would be my number one 
priority of digging into these issues with with the people of the district and the people of New Mexico.” 
[Conservative News Talk, 37:48, 1/16/26] (AUDIO) 

Trump’s Agenda, Including The One Big Beautiful Bill, Was Harmful To New Mexicans 

July 2025: Trump Signed The One Big Beautiful Bill, Calling It “The Ultimate Codification Of Our Agenda” 

July 4, 2025: Trump Signed The One Big Beautiful Bill. “President Trump on Friday signed a massive spending 
and tax bill that the White House has dubbed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ to implement much of his domestic 
policy agenda. The bill passed Thursday after Republican leaders in the House of Representatives convinced 
holdouts in their own party to get in line behind the controversial legislation.” [NPR, 7/4/25] 

June 2025: Trump Called The One Big Beautiful Bill “The Ultimate Codification Of Our Agenda To Very 
Simply Make America Great Again!” “The One Big Beautiful Bill will Secure our Borders, turbocharge our 
economy, and bring back the American Dream. This is the ultimate codification of our agenda to very simply Make 
America Great Again!” [Donald J. Trump, Truth Social, 6/26/25] 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Made The Largest Cuts To Medicaid In The Program’s History 

The Hill: Republicans Passed “The Largest Cuts To Medicaid Since The Program Began In The 1960s.” 
“Senate Republicans on Tuesday passed the largest cuts to Medicaid since the program began in the 1960s, a move 
that would erode the social safety net and cause a spike in the number of uninsured Americans over the next 
decade. The tax and spending bill is projected to cost more than $3 trillion during that time, but it would be partially 
paid for with about $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. Almost 12 million lower-income Americans would lose their 
health insurance by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).” [The Hill, 7/1/25]  

•  The Hill: The Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill Made About $1 Trillion In Cuts To Medicaid. “Senate 

Republicans on Tuesday passed the largest cuts to Medicaid since the program began in the 1960s, a move that 
would erode the social safety net and cause a spike in the number of uninsured Americans over the next decade. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The tax and spending bill is projected to cost more than $3 trillion during that time, but it would be partially 
paid for with about $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. Almost 12 million lower-income Americans would lose their 
health insurance by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).” [The Hill, 7/1/25]  

The One Big Beautiful Bill Was Estimated To Kick Nearly 40,000 People In NM-02 Off Their Health 
Insurance 

September 2025: The Joint Economic Committee Minority Estimated Nearly 40,000 People In New Mexico’s 
2nd Congressional District Would Lose Health Insurance By 2034 Due To Congressional Republicans’ Cuts 
To Medicaid And The ACA. “According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO)’s most recent 
analysis, President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) 
would result in 16 million people losing their health insurance by 2034. Using CBO’s analysis released June 4 and 
other research, the Joint Economic Committee – Minority calculated new estimates of the number of people who 
would lose health insurance.” [Joint Economic Committee Minority, Press Release, September 2025] 

NM-02: Health Insurance Losses From Cuts To Medicaid And The Affordable Care Act Under The One 
Big Beautiful Bill 

Est. Number of People Losing 
Affordable Care Act Coverage 
5,700 

Est. Number of People Losing 
Medicaid Coverage 
32,841 

Est. Total Number of People 
Losing Insurance 
38,541 

[Joint Economic Committee Minority, Press Release, September 2025] 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Was Projected To Cut Nearly $47 Million In Revenue To Hospitals In NM-02 

Under The One Big Beautiful Bill, Hospitals In NM-02 Were Projected To Lose Nearly $47 Million As A 
Result Of Medicaid Cuts. [Third Way, GOP Medicaid Cuts Will Decimate Hospitals Nationwide, 7/8/25] 

Projected Cuts To NM-02 Hospital Revenue From Medicaid Cuts In The One Big Beautiful Bill 
City 

Projected Cut To Hospital Revenue 

Hospital 

Memorial Medical Center 
Mountain View Reg Med Ctr 
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Ctr 
Carlsbad Medical Center 
Gila Regional Medical Center 
Mimbres Memorial Hospital 
Socorro General Hospital 
Three Crosses Regional Hospital 
Sierra Vista Hospital 
Cibola General Hospital 

Las Cruces 
Las Cruces 
Alamogordo 
Carlsbad 
Silver City 
Deming 
Socorro 
Las Cruces 
Truth Or Consequences 
Grants 

Total: 

$12,838,371.26 
$11,559,557.36 
$7,992,577.96 
$3,814,402.48 
$2,952,365.47 
$2,724,503.80 
$2,090,419.07 
$1,423,188.83 
$1,066,386.99 
$486,105.91 
$46,947,879.15 

[Third Way, GOP Medicaid Cuts Will Decimate Hospitals Nationwide, 7/8/25]  

Center For American Progress: The One Big Beautiful Bill Enacted The Largest SNAP Cut In The 
Program’s History 

Center For American Progress: “The Senate Has Released Its Version Of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 
Which Would Enact The Largest Cut To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) In The 
Program’s History According To Center For American Progress Estimates.” “The Senate has released its 
version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would enact the largest cut to the Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program (SNAP) in the program’s history according to Center for American Progress estimates. Despite 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the proposal cutting less than the House-passed version’s nearly $300 billion in cuts, it is even more extreme than 
the House version in some key aspects. Moreover, this legislation comes at a time when food insecurity is rising 
across all 50 states, reaching levels not seen since 2014.” [Center for American Progress, 6/26/25]  

•  Axios: “The Bill Would Reduce Nutrition Funding, Which Includes SNAP, By Around $186 Billion 

Between 2025 And 2034.” “By the numbers: The bill would reduce nutrition funding, which includes SNAP, 
by around $186 billion between 2025 and 2034. While analyst’s projections have fluctuated as the legislation’s 
provisions are tweaked, analysts have indicated millions of people could be cut from SNAP under the work 
requirement provisions.” [Axios, 7/3/25] 

●  Center On Budget And Policy Priorities Headline: “House Reconciliation Bill Proposes Deepest SNAP 

Cut In History, Would Take Food Assistance Away From Millions of Low-Income Families.” [Center on 
Budget and Policy Priorities, 5/28/25] 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Would Cut SNAP By Around $186 Billion. President Trump’s massive tax and 
spending bill, which is advancing through the House after surviving its Republican push through the Senate, would 
slash food benefits for thousands. The big picture: It would mark a historic cut to the social safety net that 
Republicans claim weeds out waste, fraud and abuse — but experts say the restructuring of assistance programs 
could leave more people hungry and uninsured. […] By the numbers: The bill would reduce nutrition funding, 
which includes SNAP, by around $186 billion between 2025 and 2034. [Axios, 7/3/25]  

2025: New Mexico Had The Highest SNAP Participation Rate In The Country With Approximately 460,000 
People Relying On The Program 

2025: New Mexico Had The Highest SNAP Participation Rate In The Nation. “Governor Michelle Lujan 
Grisham announced today that the State of New Mexico will provide $30 million in state dollars starting Nov. 1 to 
ensure that low-income children and families, seniors and New Mexicans with disabilities continue to receive food 
benefits amidst an ongoing federal government shutdown. The announcement comes in response to the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 
42 million recipients nationwide starting Nov. 1. In New Mexico, that’s approximately 460,000 New Mexicans — 
21 percent of the state’s population and the highest participation rate in the nation.” [Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, 
Press Release, 10/29/25] 

2025: Approximately 460,000 New Mexicans Depended On SNAP. “Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham 
announced today that the State of New Mexico will provide $30 million in state dollars starting Nov. 1 to ensure 
that low-income children and families, seniors and New Mexicans with disabilities continue to receive food 
benefits amidst an ongoing federal government shutdown. The announcement comes in response to the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 
42 million recipients nationwide starting Nov. 1. In New Mexico, that’s approximately 460,000 New Mexicans — 
21 percent of the state’s population and the highest participation rate in the nation.” [Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, 
Press Release, 10/29/25] 

2025: 21% Of New Mexico’s Population Relied On The SNAP. “Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced 
today that the State of New Mexico will provide $30 million in state dollars starting Nov. 1 to ensure that low-
income children and families, seniors and New Mexicans with disabilities continue to receive food benefits amidst 
an ongoing federal government shutdown. The announcement comes in response to the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture’s decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 42 million 
recipients nationwide starting Nov. 1. In New Mexico, that’s approximately 460,000 New Mexicans — 21 percent 
of the state’s population and the highest participation rate in the nation.” [Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Press 
Release, 10/29/25] 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Risked Food Assistance For More Than 60,000 Households In NM-02 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
According To The U.S. Department Of Agriculture, More Than 60,000 Households Participated In 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) In NM-02. [USDA, accessed 6/9/26] 

[USDA, accessed 6/9/26] 

Trump’s Agenda, Including Tariffs And The Iran War, Was Bad For New Mexicans 

March 2026: Cunningham Acknowledged “The Situation In Iran” Caused Gas Prices To “Shoot Up” 

VIDEO: March 2026: Cunningham Said Regarding “Gas Prices…The Situation In Iran Has Caused, You 
Know, The Price Per Barrel To Shoot Up.” CUNNINGHAM: “Well, you know, going back to the gas prices, 
yes, the situation in Iran has caused, you know, the price per barrel to shoot up, not because of supply concerns. It’s 
because of the movement of that supply, you know. And so, you know, my question would be, you know when, 
when they say, and by they, I mean the Democratic Party, that gas prices have shot up 40 40, cents, or, you know, 
30 something cents the last, you know, month or so they we still haven’t gotten to where gas prices were under 
President Biden, so that, to me, that lacks context, that that’s that is a distraction. I mean, none of them were 
worried about affordability when inflation and gas prices and everything else were going through the roof prior to 
President Trump. And so, to me, that’s disingenuous of them. Now that doesn’t mean that, it doesn’t mean that 
we’re feeling it, or that it’s a concern for us, and ultimately it is.” [Rio Grande Foundation via YouTube, Tipping 
Point New Mexico, 35:54, 3/17/26] (VIDEO) 

VIDEO: March 2026: Cunningham Said Rising Gas Prices Amidst The Iran War Were “Not Because Of 
Supply Concerns” But “Because Of The Movement Of That Supply.” CUNNINGHAM: “Well, you know, 
going back to the gas prices, yes, the situation in Iran has caused, you know, the price per barrel to shoot up, not 
because of supply concerns. It’s because of the movement of that supply, you know. And so, you know, my 
question would be, you know when, when they say, and by they, I mean the Democratic Party, that gas prices have 
shot up 40 40, cents, or, you know, 30 something cents the last, you know, month or so they we still haven’t gotten 
to where gas prices were under President Biden, so that, to me, that lacks context, that that’s that is a distraction. I 
mean, none of them were worried about affordability when inflation and gas prices and everything else were going 
through the roof prior to President Trump. And so, to me, that’s disingenuous of them. Now that doesn’t mean that, 
it doesn’t mean that we’re feeling it, or that it’s a concern for us, and ultimately it is.” [Rio Grande Foundation via 
YouTube, Tipping Point New Mexico, 35:54, 3/17/26] (VIDEO) 

By May 2026, The Iran War Caused Diesel And Gasoline Prices To Set Record Highs, With Costs Trickling 
Down To Consumers 

May 2026: Politico: “Diesel Fuel Costs Are Also Poised To Set An All-Time High In The U.S., Which In 
Turn Is Expected To Drive Up Prices For Everything From Groceries To Postage.” “Most Americans are 
focused on the cost of gasoline at the station up the street — but diesel fuel costs are also poised to set an all-time 
high in the U.S., which in turn is expected to drive up prices for everything from groceries to postage. A spike in 
diesel fuel affects a wide array of commodities that need to move across the country – including for home building, 
manufacturing and much more. And it couldn’t come at a worse time for President Donald Trump and Republicans, 
just months ahead of the contentious midterm election season in which Democrats are expected to take back the 
House and possibly the Senate amid intensifying voter anger over the rising cost of living and the unpopular war in 
Iran.” [Politico, 5/6/26] 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Politico: “Diesel Fuel May Soon Break [A Price] Record And A Gallon Of Regular Gas, Which Stood At An 
Average Of $4.46 On Tuesday, Is Also Closing In On The Record Price Of $5.02.” “For the last two months, 
administration officials have argued that their energy policies protected the American consumers from Iranian war 
price shocks and that fuel was cheaper under Trump than Biden. But diesel fuel may soon break that record and a 
gallon of regular gas, which stood at an average of $4.46 on Tuesday, is also closing in on the record price of 
$5.02.” [Politico, 5/6/26] 

Politico: The “Inflationary Impact Of High Diesel” Affects “The Cost Of Everything From Eggs To 
Sneakers,” And Results In Price Rises That Are “Passed Along To Consumers.” “Beyond the impacts to the 
cost of everything from eggs to sneakers, the inflationary impact of high diesel fuel lasts much longer in the 
economy than gasoline prices, said John Auers, analyst at consulting firm RBN Energy. Trucking, rail and freight 
companies sign long-term supply contracts for their diesel, meaning that a higher price will be baked into their costs 
– and passed along to consumers — for months at a time.” [Politico, 5/6/26] 

Politico: Increases In Fuel Prices “Is Largely Due To The U.S. And Israel Attack On Iran And The 
Subsequent Closure Of Hormuz.” “When fuel prices hit record highs under Biden, it was largely due to post-
Covid supply disruptions and because Russia’s war on Ukraine threatened global energy markets. The current price 
increase is largely due to the U.S. and Israel attack on Iran and the subsequent closure of Hormuz. Diesel prices in 
February, before U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran, were about $3.75.” [Politico, 5/6/26] 

February 2026: Cunningham Said Chile Farmers In New Mexico Told Him “They Need To Tariff And Tax 
What’s Coming In From Mexico To Even The Playing Field With What Their Costs Are” 

VIDEO: February 2026: Cunningham Said He Had Heard From Chile Farmers In New Mexico That “They 
Need To Tariff And Tax What’s Coming In From Mexico To Even The Playing Field With What Their 
Costs Are And What They’re Having To Pay Their Workers And Their Production Costs.” KOTKOWSKI: 
“How do you suggest protecting the chile farmers?” CUNNINGHAM: “I asked them. So, that’s one of those things 
where I said they told me what the problem was, and I said, you tell me what what to.” KOTKOWSKI: “What’d 
they say?” CUNNINGHAM: “Tariff. They need to tariff and tax what’s coming in from Mexico to even the playing 
field with what their costs are and what they’re having to pay their workers and their production costs. They need 
the tariffs on those products. The chile coming across.” [Arik Kotkowski via YouTube, 53:07, 2/6/26] (VIDEO) 

•  VIDEO: February 2026: When Asked If He Thought New Mexican Agriculture Could Meet The 

National Demand For Hatch Chiles, Cunningham Said He Did Not Know. KOTKOWSKI: “You think 
New Mexico could meet the demand that we have now nationally for hatch chile?” CUNNINGHAM: “I don’t 
know the answer to that. I would hope so.” [Arik Kotkowski via YouTube, 53:33, 2/6/26] (VIDEO) 

March 2026: Cunningham Appeared To Dodge Questions On Tariffs, Saying “I Will Defer To What The 
Men And Women That I’ve Spoken With That Do This For A Living Have Told Me” 

VIDEO: March 2026: When Asked How He Would Approach Tariffs In Congress, Cunningham Said, “I 
Will Defer To What The Men And Women That I’ve Spoken With That Do This For A Living Have Told 
Me.” HOST: “Would you feel that if you were in Congress, you would protect them and try to get the the tariff 
situation to include protections tariffs for them, explain that a little bit, because obviously Trump’s tariffs have kind 
of they, they started out Liberation Day, very, very aggressive, very high, and then they were dialed back. But you 
know, Mexico is, I believe, I’m assuming, they’re the ones that are competing, that they’re the ones pushing the the 
chiles and and these other products across the border. Are they not? Is the situation not being addressed through the 
existing tariff regime? And as a member of Congress, would you push? Either, you know, rhetorically or through 
the president, hey, this needs to be addressed with the tariffs. Or would that? Would you see this more of a 
legislative approach, saying Congress needs a seat at the table. And here are some of the things that we want to see 
happen as a part of a tariff regime.” CUNNINGHAM: “Well, and I will defer to what the men and women that I’ve 
spoken with that do this for a living have told me, and they have communicated to me that no, the current tariffs 
and do not address their particular issues. And that would have to be something that I would have to sit down with 
them and dial in and figure out what those measures are, and then again, take it from there to, you know, both 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
rhetorically and let’s, I mean whatever works.” [Rio Grande Foundation via YouTube, Tipping Point New Mexico, 
40:53, 3/17/26] (VIDEO) 

•  VIDEO: March 2026: Cunningham Said Agriculture Industry Workers “Have Communicated To Me 
That No, The Current Tariffs And Do Not Address Their Particular Issues” Regarding New Mexican 
Imports. HOST: “Would you feel that if you were in Congress, you would protect them and try to get the the 
tariff situation to include protections tariffs for them, explain that a little bit, because obviously Trump’s tariffs 
have kind of they, they started out Liberation Day, very, very aggressive, very high, and then they were dialed 
back. But you know, Mexico is, I believe, I’m assuming, they’re the ones that are competing, that they’re the 
ones pushing the the chiles and and these other products across the border. Are they not? Is the situation not 
being addressed through the existing tariff regime? And as a member of Congress, would you push? Either, you 
know, rhetorically or through the president, hey, this needs to be addressed with the tariffs. Or would that? 
Would you see this more of a legislative approach, saying Congress needs a seat at the table. And here are some 
of the things that we want to see happen as a part of a tariff regime.” CUNNINGHAM: “Well, and I will defer 
to what the men and women that I’ve spoken with that do this for a living have told me, and they have 
communicated to me that no, the current tariffs and do not address their particular issues. And that would have 
to be something that I would have to sit down with them and dial in and figure out what those measures are, 
and then again, take it from there to, you know, both rhetorically and let’s, I mean whatever works.” [Rio 
Grande Foundation via YouTube, Tipping Point New Mexico, 40:53, 3/17/26] (VIDEO) 

VIDEO: March 2026: Cunningham On Tariffs: “That The Path That The President Chose, The Supreme 
Court Told Him Was Not The Right One, But He’s Chosen Another One Now. And So, You Know, We Have 
To Do Things Legally, And We Have To Do Things Correctly.” CUNNINGHAM: “You know, I understand, 
you know, complex things, but, but as a police officer, as a former NCO in the Marines, it’s, here’s the problem, 
there’s the solution. What is the straightest line between the two. So, I’m very linear in that, in that aspect. So, I 
would use the same process. Go go to you know, the people that I represent, and say, what is your problem in your 
view? What is the solution? And then take that back to, you know, again, going back to surrounding myself with 
smart people going back to them and saying, okay, these these are the issues. These are what they say are the 
problems, legislatively and legally. What can we do? How do we how do we mold a solution for the people that we 
represent within the confines of the law? So, like the president you talked about, you know, as a detective, I had to 
follow very, very stringent laws to get my job done. So, I believe that you you know, any means do not justify the 
end, and so those means have to be legal. Means that the path that the President chose, the Supreme Court told him 
was not the right one, but he’s chosen another one now. And so, you know, we have to do things legally, and we 
have to do things correctly. And so within those confines, within with those parameters set, again, yes, to fight for 
the people of my district. I don’t care what it takes. Let’s get it done. Alright?” [Rio Grande Foundation via 
YouTube, Tipping Point New Mexico, 42:47, 3/17/26] (VIDEO) 

New Mexico’s $54.8 Million Chile Industry Produced Nearly Half Of All Chiles In The U.S. 

2024: New Mexico Was Ranked 1st In Chile Production Nationally, Producing 44.8% Of Chile Peppers In 
The U.S. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, New Mexico was ranked 1st in chile 
production nationally, producing 44.8% of chile peppers in the U.S. [USDA National Agricultural Statistics 
Service, 2024 New Mexico Annual Bulletin, August 2025] 

•  2025: New Mexico Produced 54,675 Tons of Chiles. “Total chile production in New Mexico for 2025 totaled 
54,675 tons, a 5 percent increase from the 2024 production of 52,000 tons, according to the Mountain Regional 
Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA in cooperation with the New Mexico 
Department of Agriculture. Of the 54,675 tons produced, 44,575 tons were green chile and 10,100 tons were 
red chile. In 2025, the green chile yield was 11.8 tons per acre, and the red chile yield was 2.3 tons per acre. For 
comparison, the green chile yield was 11.5 tons per acre, and the red chile yield was 2.0 tons per acre in 2024.” 
[USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2025 New Mexico Chile Production, accessed 5/12/26] 

2025: New Mexico’s Utilized Chile Production Was Valued At $54.8 Million. “A breakdown of the 2025 chile 
production is as follows: 81.5 percent was sold for processing; 18.0 percent was sold for fresh market; and 0.5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
percent was not sold. The value of utilized chile production in 2025 was estimated at $54.8 million, compared with 
$52.2 million in 2024. In 2025, chile sold for processing was valued at $39.4 million, while chile sold for fresh 
market was valued at $15.4 million.” [USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2025 New Mexico Chile 
Production, accessed 5/12/26] 

Trump’s Tariffs Increased Production Costs For American Farmers, Forcing Them To Pay A Premium For 
Essentials Such As Fertilizer  

North Dakota State University Trade Monitor: “As Of Early January 2026, Farmers Buying Fertilizer From 
Local Retailers Continue To Face Price Stickiness, Paying Tariff‐Induced Premiums Above Pre‐Tariff 
Baseline Levels.” “Retail fertilizer still carrying tariff effects. Wholesale prices fell sharply after the 
November rollback, but retail prices are adjusting more slowly. As of early January 2026, farmers buying fertilizer 
from local retailers continue to face price stickiness, paying tariff‐induced premiums above pre‐tariff baseline 
levels.” [North Dakota State University Trade Monitor, January 2026] 

North Dakota State University Trade Monitor: U.S. Farmers And Input Suppliers May Have Borne 
Economic Costs Substantially Greater Than The Tariff Revenue Itself. “Tariff pass‐through to farmer prices 
exceeded the tariff itself (more than complete pass‐through). During peak tariff months, fertilizer pass‐through 
exceeded the effective tariff rate. This excess pass‐through likely resulted from supply chain disruptions and 
uncertainties surrounding the tariff policy, meaning U.S. farmers and input suppliers may have borne economic 
costs substantially greater than the tariff revenue itself.” [North Dakota State University Trade Monitor, January 
2026] 

A Representative From The South Valley Economic Development Center Descibed Farmers Scaling Back As 
A Result Of Tariffs, Saying “We’re Not Going To Have The Same Crops That We Had In Years Past” 

Briana Smith Of The South Valley Economic Development Center Said Of The Effects Of Tariffs, “We’re 
Not Going To Have The Same Crops That We Had In Years Past.” “Briana Smith of the South Valley 
Economic Development Center said a tariff bill held up the organization’s new $5 million produce aggregation 
facility by two months. ‘We received a tariff — almost a ransom of $47,000 — before they would release our 
equipment,’ Smith said, describing processing machinery essential to connecting New Mexico farmers with 
consumers statewide. She said farmers are already scaling back. ‘We’re not going to have the same crops that we 
had in years past. Green chile takes a lot of water, a lot of fertilizer — that is a given.’” [New Mexico Political 
Report, 5/7/26] 

•  Smith: “Green Chile Takes A Lot Of Water, A Lot Of Fertilizer — That Is A Given.” “Briana Smith of 

the South Valley Economic Development Center said a tariff bill held up the organization’s new $5 million 
produce aggregation facility by two months. ‘We received a tariff — almost a ransom of $47,000 — before 
they would release our equipment,’ Smith said, describing processing machinery essential to connecting New 
Mexico farmers with consumers statewide. She said farmers are already scaling back. ‘We’re not going to have 
the same crops that we had in years past. Green chile takes a lot of water, a lot of fertilizer — that is a given.’” 
[New Mexico Political Report, 5/7/26] 

A Representative From The South Valley Economic Development Center Said The Organization’s Produce 
Aggregation Facility Was Held Up For Two Months Until They Paid A Tariff “Ransom Of $47,000” 

Briana Smith Of The South Valley Economic Development Center Said A Tariff Bill Held Up The 
Organization’s New $5 Million Produce Aggregation Facility By Two Months. “Briana Smith of the South 
Valley Economic Development Center said a tariff bill held up the organization’s new $5 million produce 
aggregation facility by two months. ‘We received a tariff — almost a ransom of $47,000 — before they would 
release our equipment,’ Smith said, describing processing machinery essential to connecting New Mexico farmers 
with consumers statewide. She said farmers are already scaling back. ‘We’re not going to have the same crops that 
we had in years past. Green chile takes a lot of water, a lot of fertilizer — that is a given.’” [New Mexico Political 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report, 5/7/26] 

Briana Smith Of The South Valley Economic Development Center Said The Organization Had To Pay A 
Tariff “Ransom Of $47,000” In Order For The Organization’s Processing Equipment To Be Released. 
“Briana Smith of the South Valley Economic Development Center said a tariff bill held up the organization’s new 
$5 million produce aggregation facility by two months. ‘We received a tariff — almost a ransom of $47,000 — 
before they would release our equipment,’ Smith said, describing processing machinery essential to connecting 
New Mexico farmers with consumers statewide. She said farmers are already scaling back. ‘We’re not going to 
have the same crops that we had in years past. Green chile takes a lot of water, a lot of fertilizer — that is a given.’” 
[New Mexico Political Report, 5/7/26] 

•  The South Valley Economic Development Center Was A Certified Business Incubator Located In 

Albuquerque’s South Valley And Supported Local Growers And Business By Providing A Site For 
Manufacturing/Production Of Value-Added Products. “SVEDC is a certified business incubator located in 
Albuquerque’s South Valley. It serves as both the business incubator for clients located in the 15,000 square 
foot building and users of the commercial kitchen, and as an economic development catalyst for the 
unincorporated area nearby. The Center supports local growers and business by providing a site for 
manufacturing/production of value-added products and establishing networks among businesses, growers, 
distributors, and retailers. It also provides clients with technical assistance in the development of small business 
and educational and media campaigns.” [Finance New Mexico, accessed 5/12/26] 

A New Mexico Nonprofit Business Leader Said Economic Uncertainty From Tariffs Were Pushing Small 
Business Owners Toward Predatory Lenders 

WESST President And CEO Lindsey Kay Said Economic Uncertainty From Tariffs Were Pushing Small 
Business Owners Toward Predatory Lenders. “Heinrich gathered small business owners, food bank leaders, and 
workers at the Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST) Albuquerque headquarters to discuss how 
federal tariff policy and rising energy costs are straining household budgets and threatening jobs across the state. 
‘The administration right now is making policy choices that are showing up in our costs,’ Heinrich said. ‘The tariffs 
that have been put in place — those are direct feeding costs to every small business.’ […] WESST President and 
CEO Lindsey Kay said the uncertainty is hitting small businesses statewide as hard as the cost increases 
themselves. ‘It’s hard to do your cost projections and know how to prepare if you don’t know what’s going to be 
happening with costs around supply chains,’ Kay said. She added that rising costs are pushing more small business 
owners toward predatory lenders. ‘When you find that you’re in an environment where costs are increasing and 
there’s a ton of uncertainty, that creates a higher risk for folks to be more vulnerable to those types of tactics.’” 
[New Mexico Political Report, 5/7/26] 

•  Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST) Was A Statewide Nonprofit That Coached, 

Trained, And Incubated Small Businesses In New Mexico. “U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) met with a 
group of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Albuquerque on Thursday to discuss how the effects of 
tariffs, the Iran war and rising fuel costs are increasing their cost of doing business and vowed to ‘push back 
against policies that don’t make sense.’ […] Heinrich met with the group at the offices for the Women’s 
Economic Self-Sufficiency Team, a statewide nonprofit that coaches, trains and incubates small businesses.” 
[Source New Mexico, 5/7/26] 

A New Mexico Small Business Owner Said Trump’s Tariffs Raised The Price Of Raw Materials And Forced 
The Business To “Pivot And Figure Out How We Can Save” To Avoid Layoffs 

Chrystal Trykoski, The Co-Owner Of A New Mexico Soapmaking Business, Said Raw Material Costs 
Climbed Sharply Since 2023, Jumping From 49 Cents To 75 Cents For Soap Sampler Boxes And Rising By 
126% For Coconut Oil. “New Mexico families are spending hundreds — or thousands — of dollars more each 
year on gas, groceries and basic necessities, and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich heard directly from those feeling it 
hardest Thursday at an Albuquerque roundtable. Heinrich gathered small business owners, food bank leaders, and 
workers at the Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST) Albuquerque headquarters to discuss how 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
federal tariff policy and rising energy costs are straining household budgets and threatening jobs across the state. 
[…] Chrystal Trykoski, co-owner of Enchanting Soap Collections, said her raw material costs have climbed sharply 
since 2023. The price of soap sampler boxes jumped from 49 cents to 75 cents, she said, and coconut oil costs have 
risen 126 percent. ‘We’re constantly trying to pivot and figure out how we can save — not only ourselves money, 
but we need our products to sell to keep these women employed,’ Trykoski said. Her company employs women 
recovering from addiction and incarceration, and recently hired a survivor of human trafficking.” [New Mexico 
Political Report, 5/7/26] 

•  Trykoski Said Rising Costs And Economic Uncertainty Due To Trump’s Tariffs Meant Her Business 

Was “Constantly Trying To Pivot And Figure Out How We Can Save” To Avoid Layoffs. [New Mexico 
Political Report, 5/7/26] “Heinrich gathered small business owners, food bank leaders, and workers at the 
Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST) Albuquerque headquarters to discuss how federal tariff 
policy and rising energy costs are straining household budgets and threatening jobs across the state. […] 
Chrystal Trykoski, co-owner of Enchanting Soap Collections, said her raw material costs have climbed sharply 
since 2023. The price of soap sampler boxes jumped from 49 cents to 75 cents, she said, and coconut oil costs 
have risen 126 percent. ‘We’re constantly trying to pivot and figure out how we can save — not only ourselves 
money, but we need our products to sell to keep these women employed,’ Trykoski said. Her company employs 
women recovering from addiction and incarceration, and recently hired a survivor of human trafficking.” [New 
Mexico Political Report, 5/7/26] 

•  New Mexico Political Report Headline: “From Green Chile To Film Sets: New Mexicans Describe The 

Crushing Weight Of Tariffs And War-Driven Costs.” [New Mexico Political Report, 5/7/26] 

Trump Endorsed Cunningham For Congress 

April 2026: Trump Said, “Greg Cunningham Has My Complete And Total Endorsement To Be The Next 
Representative From New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” 
“It is my Great Honor to endorse U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and former Albuquerque Police Detective, Greg 
Cunningham, who is running to represent the wonderful people of New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.  Greg 
is running against a Radical Left Democrat named Gabe Vasquez, who tried to raise Taxes by over $4 Trillion 
Dollars, and voted against all of our Tax Cuts, including NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY, 
and NO TAX ON OVERTIME. Gabe Vasquez wants to abolish our Borders, stop deporting Criminal Illegal 
Aliens, and supports dangerous ‘Soft on Crime’ Policies like cashless bail that let repeat Violent Criminals roam 
free on our streets. He voted to allow Men in Women’s Sports, is in favor of the transgender mutilization of 
children, and voted AGAINST Voter I.D., but in favor of allowing Illegal Aliens to vote in our Sacred Elections. 
He is Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous! In contrast, U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran and former Albuquerque 
Police Detective, Greg Cunningham, knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our 
Brave Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. As your next 
Congressman, he will work tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Unleash American Energy 
DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our 
always under siege Second Amendment. Greg Cunningham has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next 
Representative from New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” 
[Donald J. Trump, Truth Social, 4/14/26] 

Cunningham Was Added To The NRCC “MAGA Majority” Slate, Which “Highlights A Slate Of 
Strong Candidates Running In Key Battleground Districts Across The Country Who Embody The 
Trump Agenda” 

April 2026: The NRCC Added Cunningham To Their MAGA Majority Program. “The National Republican 
Congressional Committee (NRCC) today announced Greg Cunningham is being added to the 2026 MAGA 
Majority program. ’As a Marine Corps veteran, former Albuquerque police officer, and lifelong New Mexican, 
Greg Cunningham is ready to defeat radical Democrat Gabe Vasquez and flip NM-02 red this November. 
Cunningham is the antithesis of Vasquez’s high tax, defund the police, open borders agenda and will finally give 

 
 
 
 
 
 
New Mexicans the representation they deserve.’ – NRCC Spokesman Reilly Richardson. The MAGA Majority is 
an NRCC program focused on supporting and elevating the next wave of America First candidates who will help 
expand the Republican House majority in 2026.” [NRCC, Press Release, 4/27/26] 

•  NRCC Press Release: “The MAGA Majority Program Highlights A Slate Of Strong Candidates Running 
In Key Battleground Districts Across The Country Who Embody The Trump Agenda”. “The MAGA 
Majority program highlights a slate of strong candidates running in key battleground districts across the country 
who embody the Trump agenda: securing the border, lowering costs, restoring energy dominance, and putting 
American workers first.” [NRCC, Press Release, 4/27/26] 

Greg Cunningham Will Do What’s Best For Donald Trump Even When It Drives Up Costs 
For Struggling New Mexico Families And Causes Thousands To Lose Their Healthcare. 

Backup above