2026 Midterms · U.S. House · New Mexico Likely
New Mexico — 3rd District
Democratic
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Incumbent
Republican
Martin Ruben Zamora
In New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Teresa Leger Fernandez faces Republican state Representative Martin Ruben Zamora in the November 3, 2026 general election. The matchup hinges on contrasting visions for the district, pitting Leger Fernandez's support for federal infrastructure investments, climate policy, and voting rights against Zamora's platform focused on tax cuts, strict border enforcement, law and order, and agricultural deregulation. Election handicappers rate the seat as Solid Democratic (Cook Political Report, Inside Elections), Safe Democratic (Sabato's Crystal Ball), or Likely Democratic (DDHQ/The Hill).
Economy and job creation
high salienceZamora emphasizes cutting taxes and government regulations for small businesses, whereas Leger Fernandez supports targeted federal spending in infrastructure, green energy, and domestic manufacturing.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Supports federal infrastructure and economic equity
Leger Fernandez promotes building a vibrant, equitable economy by making long-term federal investments in 21st-century infrastructure and domestic manufacturing. In Congress, she supported major legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act while opposing Republican budget and debt limit proposals.
- Voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
- Supported the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.
- Opposed the 2025 reconciliation act (H.R. 1) and the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023.
“Promote a vibrant, equitable economy. Invest in 21st century infrastructure.”
“I believe in -- and have spent my life -- building communities.”
Martin Ruben Zamora
Supports tax cuts and deregulation
Zamora advocates for pro-growth economic policies designed to lower taxes, slash government regulations, and support small businesses as the primary job creators. He emphasizes creating higher-paying jobs and removing administrative burdens for business owners in New Mexico.
- Proposes cutting taxes to stimulate economic development and business growth.
- Advocates cutting red tape and burdensome federal regulations.
- Positions small businesses as the cornerstone of job creation in New Mexico.
“I will champion pro-growth policies that lower taxes, cut red tape, and support small businesses—the true job creators in our economy.”
Border security and immigration
high salienceZamora advocates for strict southern border enforcement to address security and resource strains, while Leger Fernandez supports comprehensive immigration reform and legal pathways to citizenship.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Supports humane, comprehensive immigration reform
Leger Fernandez advocates for a humane and comprehensive immigration system that offers legal pathways to permanent residency for unauthorized immigrants. In the House, she voted for protections for Dreamers while opposing Republican border enforcement and deportation bills.
- Voted for the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 to establish pathways to permanent residence.
- Opposed the Secure the Border Act of 2023 (H.R. 2) and the Laken Riley Act.
- Voted against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
“Champion a humane, comprehensive immigration policy.”
Martin Ruben Zamora
Supports strict border enforcement
Zamora views border security as a national security imperative and a central crisis threatening New Mexico communities. He calls for strict enforcement to secure the border, preserve public resources, and stop transnational crime.
- Prioritizes securing the southern border to safeguard national security and state resources.
- Highlights the impact of unaddressed border crossings on local public safety.
- Views border enforcement as foundational to national sovereignty.
“A nation without borders is not a nation. The crisis at our southern border is out of control, threatening our national security, straining our resources, and endangering lives across New Mexico.”
Agriculture and water rights
medium salienceZamora focuses on cutting federal regulations and protecting private property rights for agricultural producers, whereas Leger Fernandez prioritizes federal resource protection and environmental conservation.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Supports environmental land and water protection
Leger Fernandez emphasizes protecting New Mexico's natural resources, land, air, and water for future generations. As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, she focuses on environmental sustainability and working with rural and tribal communities.
- Serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- Focuses on land, air, and water protection across New Mexico communities.
- Advocates federal support for sustainable resource management and tribal water systems.
“PROTECTING OUR LAND, AIR, AND WATER”
“For generations to come”
Martin Ruben Zamora
Supports agricultural deregulation and property rights
Drawing on his background as a multi-generational farmer and rancher near Clovis, Zamora prioritizes defending private property rights and removing federal regulations on agricultural producers. In the state legislature, he served continuously on the Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee.
- Pledges to defend private property rights for farmers and ranchers.
- Advocates cutting burdensome federal regulations affecting agricultural producers.
- Served on the New Mexico House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee from 2019 to 2026.
“In Congress, I will fight to protect our agricultural heritage by defending private property rights, reducing burdensome federal regulations, and ensuring our producers have access to the tools they need to thrive.”
Crime and public safety
medium salienceZamora prioritizes backing law enforcement and cracking down on drug trafficking, while Leger Fernandez emphasizes gun violence restriction legislation.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Supports gun violence prevention laws
Leger Fernandez approaches public safety primarily through gun violence prevention and community safety initiatives. In Congress, she supported legislative bans on semiautomatic assault weapons.
- Voted for the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 in the House of Representatives.
- Advocates protecting families and communities from gun violence.
- Supports federal investments in public health and safety.
“Protect our communities and families from gun violence.”
Martin Ruben Zamora
Supports law enforcement and anti-fentanyl enforcement
Zamora focuses his public safety platform on supporting law enforcement officers and combating illicit drug trafficking networks. He identifies the spread of fentanyl and rising crime rates as urgent threats to New Mexico communities.
- Pledges to stand with law enforcement to restore law and order.
- Advocates cracking down on violent crime and drug trafficking networks.
- Targets the proliferation of deadly illicit drugs like fentanyl.
“Our communities are being devastated by crime and the spread of deadly drugs like fentanyl. As your congressman, I will stand with law enforcement and fight to restore law and order.”
Democracy and voting rights
medium salienceLeger Fernandez advocates for federal legislation expanding voter access and opposing citizenship proof requirements, whereas Zamora's legislative involvement focused on state-level election oversight.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Supports federal voting rights legislation
Leger Fernandez treats voting rights protection and democratic reform as core responsibilities. She defended voting rights as an attorney prior to Congress and voted for major federal election standards like the For the People Act.
- Voted for the For the People Act of 2021 (H.R. 1).
- Opposed the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) requiring documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration.
- Served on the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections in the 117th Congress.
“Strengthening our democracy and fighting to protect the right to vote.”
“defended voting rights so everyone’s vote counted”
Martin Ruben Zamora
Engaged in state election legislative oversight
Zamora engaged on state election oversight during his tenure in the New Mexico House of Representatives, where he served on the State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee.
- Served as Ranking Member of the New Mexico House State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee during the 2023-2024 legislative session.
- Served on the state legislative elections committee continuously across multiple terms.
Tribal sovereignty and Native American affairs
medium salienceLeger Fernandez brings extensive experience leading federal indigenous affairs subcommittees, while Zamora's engagement stems from state legislative committee service.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Supports tribal sovereignty and self-determination
Leger Fernandez prioritizes tribal self-determination and strong federal-tribal government relations. She led the House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs and worked with Pueblos and Tribal nations across New Mexico throughout her career.
- Served as Ranking Member (118th Congress) and Chair (117th Congress) of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples / Indian and Insular Affairs.
- Worked directly with Pueblos and Tribal communities prior to entering Congress.
- Promotes tribal sovereignty and direct federal funding for tribal priorities.
“TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AND SELF DETERMINATION”
“worked with Pueblos and Tribal communities across New Mexico.”
Martin Ruben Zamora
Engaged in legislative tribal affairs
Zamora addressed Indian affairs in state government through his long-standing committee assignment on the State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee in the New Mexico House.
- Assigned to the State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee in the New Mexico House from 2019 to 2026.
Healthcare
medium salienceTeresa Leger Fernandez
Supports expanding healthcare access and rural clinics
Leger Fernandez views quality, affordable healthcare as a necessity for every community. Having built rural health clinics before serving in Congress, she supported provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.
- Built rural health clinics prior to her election to Congress.
- Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to lower drug costs and extend ACA subsidies.
- Voted for the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 to safeguard reproductive healthcare access.
“All Americans deserve to have access to quality, affordable health care in their communities”
“Before I got to Congress, I built rural health clinics”
Education
low salienceTeresa Leger Fernandez
Supports prioritizing public education investments
Leger Fernandez advocates for prioritizing public education and workforce training to ensure opportunities for all students. She served on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
- Served on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in the 117th and 118th Congresses.
- Serves on the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development.
- Advocates federal funding for early education, public schools, and higher education.
“Prioritize education to provide opportunity for all.”