Who's running in New Mexico's 1st congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Melanie Stansbury currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Opposing what she calls attacks on democracy and rights by President Trump and House Republicans.
Protecting 'fundamental freedoms' and making life better for New Mexico families.
Oversight of Republican-led investigations as a member of the Oversight Committee.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for New Mexico's 1st District since June 2021; reelected with about 56% in 2022 and 2024.
Unopposed in the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary.
Held a 'This is Not Normal' sign as President Trump entered the House chamber in March 2025.
Arguments in favor
'As a native New Mexican who has dedicated her life to fighting for New Mexico's families, Rep. Stansbury is on the frontlines fighting to protect our fundamental freedoms and to make life better for every New Mexican.'
— Brandon Padilla, Stansbury campaign manager (Santa Fe New Mexican)
Arguments against
Stansbury has put partisanship and her quarrel with Trump ahead of results: 'You may not like the man in charge, but there is a way to at least sit down at the table with your colleagues in Washington and say, New Mexico is facing a crisis … I don't think that has been done.'
— Didi Okpareke, Republican opponent (Santa Fe New Mexican)
New Mexico's federal delegation has 'fallen in line with a radical agenda that prioritizes rhetoric over results.'
— Didi Okpareke campaign site
What we couldn’t verify
No NRCC material on Stansbury was found; the seat is not on a Republican target list in any loaded source.
Her campaign website address could not be confirmed from a loaded page.
Whether debates will be held had not been reported in a loaded source.
Affordable, accessible health care, including lowering pharmacy costs and expanding access.
Lowering the cost of medical practice, including malpractice liability, looking to Texas and Arizona as models.
Bringing federal investment and programmes to New Mexico to create jobs.
Voting 'for what is right' regardless of party.
Support for President Trump, who she says 'has the best interest of the country at heart.'
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Has not held elected office.
Pharmacist since 2008; owner of Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy.
Unopposed on the June 2, 2026 Republican primary ballot after two rivals were disqualified.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No published argument for or against Okpareke by a named outside group, party or opponent was found, so none is listed; her case is in her positions. Searched: 'Didi Okpareke' with Stansbury, endorsement, criticism, DCCC and NMGOP; Albuquerque Journal, Santa Fe New Mexican, Source NM and KOB coverage.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
November 3, 2026 is New Mexico's general election, decided by plurality; there is no runoff. The map did not change for 2026: the districts the Legislature drew in 2021, which the New Mexico Supreme Court upheld against a partisan gerrymandering challenge, remain in use, and no 2026 redraw or pending congressional map case was found. Primaries were held June 2, 2026. Roster confirmed against Ballotpedia and Politics1: Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Republican Ndidiamaka 'Didi' Okpareke, both unopposed in their primaries after two other Republicans, Steve Jones and Carlton Pennington, were disqualified. No minor-party or independent candidate was found on the November ballot; the Secretary of State's general election candidate list could not be loaded to confirm that. The district covers most of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, all of Torrance County and parts of Sandoval, Santa Fe and Valencia counties. Stansbury won 56.4% in 2024. The candidate order here follows the published candidate listings, with the incumbent first; it is not verified ballot order and implies no ranking.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A New Mexico ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at New Mexico Secretary of State.