--- title: "Fernandez vs. Zamora: 2026 New Mexico’s 3rd District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-nm-03" updated: "2026-08-01" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 New Mexico’s 3rd District race: Teresa Leger Fernandez (D) vs. Martin Ruben Zamora (R) Rating: Likely D · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: August 1, 2026 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. ## Candidates - **Teresa Leger Fernandez** (Democrat, incumbent) · [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Teresa_Leger_Fernandez) - **Martin Ruben Zamora** (Republican) · [Campaign site](https://zamorafornewmexico.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Martin_Ruben_Zamora) ## Issues ### Economy and job creation Salience: high Zamora 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.” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) > “I believe in -- and have spent my life -- building communities.” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **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.” > — Martin Ruben Zamora, via [Campaign site](https://zamorafornewmexico.com/) ### Border security and immigration Salience: high Zamora 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.” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **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.” > — Martin Ruben Zamora, via [Campaign site](https://zamorafornewmexico.com/) ### Agriculture and water rights Salience: medium Zamora 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” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) > “For generations to come” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **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.” > — Martin Ruben Zamora, via [Campaign site](https://zamorafornewmexico.com/) ### Crime and public safety Salience: medium Zamora 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.” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **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.” > — Martin Ruben Zamora, via [Campaign site](https://zamorafornewmexico.com/) ### Democracy and voting rights Salience: medium Leger 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.” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) > “defended voting rights so everyone’s vote counted” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **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 Salience: medium Leger 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” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) > “worked with Pueblos and Tribal communities across New Mexico.” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **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 Salience: medium **Teresa 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” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) > “Before I got to Congress, I built rural health clinics” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **Martin Ruben Zamora:** No documented position in our sources ### Education Salience: low **Teresa 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.” > — Teresa Leger Fernandez, via [Campaign site](https://www.teresaforall.com) **Martin Ruben Zamora:** No documented position in our sources ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/nm-03-house-election-winner) — NM-03 House Election Winner: Democrats 95.7%, Republicans 2.8% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXHOUSERACE-NM03-26) — NM-03 House winner?: Teresa Leger Fernández 96.3%, Martin Ruben Zamora 3.0% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-nm-03)