New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District election (June 5, 2018 Republican primary)

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New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: March 13, 2018
Primary: June 5, 2018
General: November 6, 2018
Pre-election incumbent:
Steve Pearce (Republican)
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in New Mexico
Race ratings
Cook Partisan Voter Index (2018): R+6
Cook Political Report: Toss-up
Inside Elections: Tilt Republican
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd
New Mexico elections, 2018
U.S. Congress elections, 2018
U.S. Senate elections, 2018
U.S. House elections, 2018

State Rep. Yvette Herrell defeated Monty Newman to win the 2018 Republican primary in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.

The primary to replace Steve Pearce (R), a House Freedom Caucus member who ran for governor, divided conservative Republican influencers. Herrell, a favorite of the state’s Republican activists, the National Rifle Association, and the House Freedom Caucus, ran against Newman, a former Hobbs mayor and former state GOP chairman supported by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).[1]

Herrell was endorsed by the New Mexico Republican Party in February and, thus, received the first spot on the primary ballot.[2][3] She had the support of party activists opposed to New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R) due to Martinez's moderate stances on issues like immigration and Medicaid expansion.[4]

Newman was aligned with the governor's wing of the New Mexico GOP as it was Martinez who backed his bid for state party chairman in 2010.[5] He led the race in fundraising.

Former Interior Department official Gavin Clarkson and Clayburn Griffin also ran. Clarkson emphasized his loyalty to Donald Trump; Griffin was endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus.[6]

The 2nd Congressional District voted for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton by about 10 points in the 2016 presidential election and election forecasters gave the Republican nominee a slight edge in the general election.[7]


New Mexico voter? Dates you need to know.
Primary electionJune 5, 2018
Candidate filing deadlineMarch 13, 2018
Registration deadlineMay 8, 2018
Absentee application deadlineJune 1, 2018
General electionNovember 6, 2018
Voting information
Primary typeClosed
Early voting deadlineJune 2, 2018
Polling locations: Go to this page to find early voting locations and your assigned precinct for election day.


For more on related elections, please see:


Candidates and election results

Yvette Herrell defeated Monty Newman, Gavin Clarkson, and Clayburn Griffin in the Republican primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 2 on June 5, 2018.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Mexico District 2

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Yvette Herrell
Yvette Herrell
 
49.0
 
16,023
Image of Monty Newman
Monty Newman
 
32.0
 
10,474
Image of Gavin Clarkson
Gavin Clarkson
 
12.4
 
4,060
Image of Clayburn Griffin
Clayburn Griffin Candidate Connection
 
6.6
 
2,143

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 32,700
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Election updates

Satellite spending

  • May 31-June 1, 2018: Our Values and The New Prosperity Foundation each spent about $50,000 supporting Yvette Herrell and Monty Newman, respectively.

Endorsements

  • May 30, 2018: The Las Cruces Sun-News endorsed Monty Newman.
  • May 17, 2018: The National Rifle Association endorsed Yvette Herrell.
  • April 11, 2018: The political arm of the House Freedom Caucus, the House Freedom Fund, endorsed Yvette Herrell.

Campaign finance

  • May 16, 2018: Campaign finance disclosures from May 16, 2018, showed the following:
    • Monty Newman had raised about $705,000 and had about $230,000 in cash on hand.
    • Yvette Herrell had raised about $400,000 and had about $38,000 in cash on hand.
    • Gavin Clarkson had raised about $160,000 and had about $55,000 in cash on hand.
  • March 31, 2018: According to FEC filings, Monty Newman raised almost $600,000 through the first quarter of 2018 and had about $370,000 in cash on hand. Yvette Herrell raised $350,000 and had about $260,000 in cash on hand. Gavin Clarkson raised more than $100,000 and had nearly $75,000 in cash on hand.
  • January 31, 2018: Campaign finance disclosures for the fourth quarter of 2017 showed Monty Newman in the lead for fundraising, having brought in $450,000 and having about $350,000 going into 2018. He was followed by Yvette Herrell, who raised $235,000 and had about $200,000 going into 2018.


Candidates

The candidates featured below raised at least $100,000 through March 2018 and received endorsements and mentions in the media.

Gavin Clarkson.png

Gavin Clarkson (R)
Former Trump administration official


Campaign website Facebook

A former official in the Department of Interior under President Trump, Gavin Clarkson ran for Congress with the slogan "Energy to Empower New Mexico." In his announcement, he said joining Congress was the "best way to help President Trump stop the swamp."[8] He raised over $100,000 for his campaign through March 2018

He managed the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development and the Office of Self-Governance from June 2017 to November 2017. He stepped down after the Interior Department's inspector general found that, prior to his appointment, he secured a federal loan for an Indian tribe that did not meet the department's guidelines and was defaulted on.[9] Clarkson said the report was not true.[8]

An enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation, Clarkson's professional experience includes working as a New Mexico State University business professor. He received his M.B.A. from Rice University and his Ph.D. in technology and operations management from the Harvard Business School.[10]


Yvette Herrell.jpg

Yvette Herrell (R)
State representative


Campaign website Facebook Twitter

A state representative since 2010, Yvette Herrell ran for Congress in 2018 with the support of the New Mexico Republican Party's activist base and the House Freedom Caucus. At the state party convention in February 2018, she was supported by 58 percent of the Republican delegates.[4] She was also backed by former state House Speaker Don Tripp (R) and raised about $235,000 in 2017.

Herrell was "one of the more conservative members of the state House of Representatives," according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, which cited her support for banning most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy and constitutional amendments that would limit government spending and enact term limits for members of Congress.[11]

At the time of her run for Congress, Herrell was working as a realtor. She moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico, in 1992. Before that, she attended ITT business school in Boise, Idaho, and studied in the legal secretarial program. Her father, Tommy Herrell, previously served on the Otero County Commission.[12]


Monty Newman.PNG

Monty Newman (R)
Former New Mexico GOP chairman and mayor


Campaign website Facebook Twitter

The former chairman of the New Mexico Republican Party, Monty Newman's campaign received a boost in January 2018 when U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) endorsed him. Newman “has shown his commitment to work tirelessly to promote principles that reflect the values of the people of his district,” according to Cruz. Newman led the field in fundraising at the end of 2017, having raised nearly $450,000 and having over $350,000 in the bank.[13]

Newman finished second when the New Mexico Republican Party, the organization he used to head, voted on candidate endorsements in February 2018. He received 26 percent of the vote to Yvette Herrell's 58 percent. Newman's showing in the vote could be due to his ties to New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, who was not popular with party activists, according to state political writer Joe Monahan.[4]

In an interview with the Carlsbad Current-Argus, Newman identified his campaign priorities as preserving federal money related to energy interests and military bases in the district, pushing for a market-based approach to healthcare, allowing veterans more choice for healthcare, supporting President Trump's border wall "in areas where it makes sense," and moving to a merit-based immigration system.[14]

Newman served as the state party chairman from 2010 to 2012. He was elected as the mayor of Hobbs, New Mexico, in 2004. Prior to that, he had worked in the Hobbs' real estate community since the 1970s and founded Newman & Company. He attended York College in Nebraska.[15]


List of all candidates

See also: Statistics on U.S. Congress candidates, 2018

Republican Party Republican primary candidates


Did not make the ballot:

Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

Republican Party factional conflict

See also: Republican Party factional conflict in U.S. House primaries, 2018

Disputes between potential members of the House Freedom Caucus and other members of the Republican Party occurred in U.S. House primaries in 2018.

In 2015, conservative Republicans formed the Freedom Caucus and began opposing House Republican leaders on fiscal policy, chamber procedures, and caucus leadership, among other things.[16] Members of the Freedom Caucus broke away from the Republican Study Committee, which, along with the Republican Main Street Partnership, was more closely aligned with House Republican leaders.[17]

In this primary, Yvette Herrell affiliated with the Freedom Caucus.[18][19]

The chart below shows a scorecard for how the Freedom Caucus performed in competitive Republican primaries that featured at least one Freedom Caucus candidate and one Republican opponent not affiliated with the group.

U.S. House Republican factions
Faction Primary victories in 2018 Seats held prior to primaries Performance
Affiliated with the House Freedom Caucus 8 6 +2
Not affiliated with the House Freedom Caucus[20] 10 12 -2

Timeline

  • May 31-June 1, 2018: Our Values and The New Prosperity Foundation each spent about $50,000 supporting Yvette Herrell and Monty Newman, respectively.
  • May 30, 2018: The Las Cruces Sun-News endorsed Monty Newman.
  • May 17, 2018: The National Rifle Association endorsed Yvette Herrell.
  • May 16, 2018: Campaign finance disclosures from May 16, 2018, showed the following:
    • Monty Newman had raised about $705,000 and had about $230,000 in cash on hand.
    • Yvette Herrell had raised about $400,000 and had about $38,000 in cash on hand.
    • Gavin Clarkson had raised about $160,000 and had about $55,000 in cash on hand.
  • April 11, 2018: The political arm of the House Freedom Caucus, the House Freedom Fund, endorsed Yvette Herrell.
  • March 31, 2018: According to FEC filings, Monty Newman raised almost $600,000 through the first quarter of 2018 and had about $370,000 in cash on hand. Yvette Herrell raised $350,000 and had about $260,000 in cash on hand. Gavin Clarkson raised more than $100,000 and had nearly $75,000 in cash on hand.
  • February 24, 2018: The New Mexico Republican Party endorsed Yvette Herrell over Monty Newman by a 58 percent to 26 percent margin.
  • January 31, 2018: Campaign finance disclosures showed Monty Newman leading the field with about $450,000 in contributions and over $350,000 in cash on hand. Yvette Herrell received about $230,000 in contributions and had about $200,000 in cash on hand.
  • January 25, 2018: Yvette Herrell was endorsed by former New Mexico House Speaker Don Tripp (R).
  • January 5, 2018: Monty Newman was endorsed by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
  • July 10, 2017: Incumbent Steve Pearce (R) announced that he would run for governor instead of seeking re-election to his House seat.


Satellite spending

  • PACs associated with the House Freedom Caucus spent about $15,500 supporting Yvette Herrell between April 17 and May 30.[21]
  • New Mexico Strong Fund spent about $21,000 supporting Gavin Clarkson between May 29 and June 3.[22]
  • Our Values Political Committee spent about $180,000 supporting Yvette Herrell between April 26 and June 1.[23]
  • The New Prosperity Foundation spent about $89,000 supporting Monty Newman between May 29 and June 1.[24]

Campaign finance

Campaign finance disclosures from May 16, 2018, showed the following:

  • Monty Newman had raised about $705,000 and had about $230,000 in cash on hand.
  • Yvette Herrell had raised about $400,000 and had about $38,000 in cash on hand.
  • Gavin Clarkson had raised about $160,000 and had about $55,000 in cash on hand.

According to FEC filings, Monty Newman raised almost $600,000 through the first quarter of 2018 and had about $370,000 in cash on hand. Yvette Herrell raised $350,000 and had about $260,000 in cash on hand. Gavin Clarkson raised more than $100,000 and had nearly $75,000 in cash on hand.

The table below contains data from FEC Quarterly January 2018 reports. It includes only candidates who have reported at least $10,000 in campaign contributions as of December 31, 2017.[25] Republican Party Republicans




Endorsements

Ballotpedia tracks endorsements by organizations and elected officials. As of March 1, 2018, we have located the following endorsements in this race. To notify us of other endorsements, please email us.

Republican primary endorsements
Endorsement Date Herrell Newman
Federal officials
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)[26] January 5, 2018 ✔
State figures
Former state House speaker Don Tripp (R)[2] January 25, 2018 ✔
Organizations
Las Cruces Sun News[27] May 30, 2018 ✔
Albuquerque Journal[28] May 21, 2018 ✔
National Rifle Association[29] May 17, 2018 ✔
House Freedom Fund[30] April 11, 2018 ✔
New Mexico Republican Party[3] February 24, 2018 ✔

Campaign strategies and tactics

New Mexico Republican Party convention

Yvette Herrell was endorsed by the New Mexico Republican Party at their convention on February 24. She won 58 percent of delegates to former party Chairman Monty Newman's 26 percent. Newman said Herrell won a “symbolic victory among insiders” that would not necessarily translate to the wider electorate.[3]

Herrell's endorsement by the state party gave her the first position on primary ballot. New Mexico political writer Joe Monahan argued that her win in the convention would increase her fundraising ability.[4]

Campaign advertisements

Yvette Herrell

Support
"Meet Yvette," released May 11, 2018
"Proven," released May 21, 2018
Oppose

Monty Newman released this ad opposing Yvette Herrell in May 2018.

Monty Newman

Support
"Border," released May 17, 2018
"Family," released May 2, 2018
"Flag," released January 23, 2018
Oppose
"Liberal," released May 31, 2018


How did the candidates differ?

Party alliances

New Mexico political writer Joe Monahan wrote that Monty Newman was associated with the wing of New Mexico Republican Party sympathetic to Gov. Susana Martinez (R), while Yvette Herrell was associated with the party activists who opposed Martinez.

Monahan pointed to Newman's relationship with Jay McCleskey, an advisor to Martinez, and his background as state party chairman as signs of his factional alliance. He quoted a party insider who supported Herrell as saying, "With activists so solidly and decisively behind [Herrell] she's going to be hard to beat."[4]

Campaign themes and policy stances

The policy positions on the candidates' website are listed, if available.

Gavin Clarkson

Clarkson gave the following answers in an interview with the Albuquerque Journal.

“

On the topic of Immigration:


1. Please give your position on DACA.

I do not support a path to citizenship, except for those who choose to honorably serve in the military. President Trump offered residency for all 1.8 million who qualify, not just the roughly 800,000 who applied, but Democrats are refusing to surrender the issue as a political wedge.

2. Do you favor amnesty, a path to citizenship or worker permits for most or all of the people now living illegally in the U.S.? Who do you think, if anyone, should be deported?

Deportation should be for those here illegally who have committed additional crimes. I oppose amnesty. I believe in the rule of law and fairness for legal immigrants who followed the rules. I am willing to consider a path to residency for those who will not burden our social welfare systems.


3. Do you believe the borders are secure enough? If not, what do you propose should be done to increase their security? Do you support Trump’s proposal to build a $25 billion wall?

I support not just the wall, but a high-tech wall, which will promote economic development in southern New Mexico. The wall needs high-tech monitoring equipment like motion detectors, infrared, and ground penetrating radar, all of which will need to be monitored at command stations linked by high-speed optic fiber lines.


4. What’s your position on skills-based immigration vs. family-based?

I would end chain-migration and the visa lottery. Merit-based work permits give folks everything they might want economically, except for the one thing that Democrats really seem to care about, which is naturalizing new voters.

On the topic of school safety and gun control:


1. Do you favor a federal ban on the sale of assault-style weapons? If so, what would you do about the millions of the assault-style weapons now legally owned by American citizens?

No. “Assault-style” is a nebulous term. Leftists seem to think it’s any gun that looks scary. Americans have every right to own weapons to defend themselves, their families, and their property.

2. What other, if any, gun law changes would you support?

I’d support concealed carry in the classroom for select teachers and administrators

3. Would you favor a repeal of the 2nd amendment?

No. (The) 2nd Amendment doesn’t grant us the right to defend our persons, properties, and families. God did that by making us in His image. 2nd Amendment simply protects what Justice Scalia called a “pre-political right,” which is deeply ingrained in natural law. Self-defense is an inalienable right of human nature.

4. While much of the discussion on school safety centers on gun control, what other measures would you support to make schools safer?

After 9/11, we didn’t go on a nationwide hunt to ban box cutters. Instead we made it harder to get them onto planes. Likewise with schools, we need to harden soft targets. Local school systems should be able to allow concealed carry in the classroom for teachers with proper training.

On the topic of foreign policy:


1. What do you propose the U.S. do with regards to Syria?

President Trump seems to have the right instincts here. We need to enforce international norms and keep beating back ISIS, but we need to stay out of this civil war, which has become a regional quagmire for Iran and Russia. Let them sink their blood and treasure into it.

2. In Afghanistan?

Get out. Restoring constitutional checks and balances means Congress must reassert its exclusive powers over the extended deployment of our armed services. Congress should debate our continued presence in Afghanistan, which was supposed to have ended under the last administration.

3. In Mexico?

Cut a better deal on NAFTA. Free trade is only free if it’s truly fair. The energy industry must be free to export from New Mexico into Mexico.

4. Relations with Russia are said to be at their worst in many years after allegations of Russian meddling in our elections, the Trump administration’s decision to sell weapons to Ukraine and the recent expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats. Do you approve of these actions? What would your posture be towards Russia?

While these actions are warranted, I agree with President Trump that having a better relationship with Russia should be our goal. Renewing the Cold War is not in our best interest.

5. If talks fail, would you support a pre-emptive strike on North Korea to degrade its nuclear capabilities and missile delivery systems?

Only if there is incontrovertible evidence that an attack on the United States is imminent. The President should be able to make that call if it is a matter of urgent necessity, but otherwise the Constitutions clearly entrusts the war power to Congress.

On the economy:


1. How would you make New Mexico less dependent on federal spending?

Most of what goes on in Washington, D.C. nowadays was never intended by the Framers to occur at the federal level. A simple dividing line is the 10th Amendment. Whatever is not an enumerated power of the Constitution is best left in the hands of the States and the people.

2. Do you support or oppose President Trump’s imposition of higher tariffs on China? Why or why not?

Strategic deterrence is the use of threats to convince another party to either refrain from initiating some course of action or to cease a course of action. President Trump’s tough stance on NAFTA and his actions against China clearly demonstrate that credible threat, and China is already making concessions.


Other:

1. Do you favor or oppose limits on late-term abortion, and do you believe tax dollars should or should not be used to fund abortions?

I oppose partial birth abortion, taxpayer funded abortions, and would vote to cut off any and all funding for Planned Parenthood. I will advocate for legislation that protects the unborn at all ages and stages of life, including fetal pain legislation and significant restrictions on abortions after 20 weeks.


2. What should be done at the federal level to address the crisis of opioid addiction?

Local drug courts combining punitive powers with medical treatment and rehabilitative programs seem to offer the best hope of dealing with a crisis that federal policy has exacerbated through crony subsidies, making pain a “vital sign,” mandating abuse-deterrent formulas, outlawing generics, prohibiting maintenance therapy, and over-regulating Medication Assisted Treatment options.


3. Do you favor or oppose a national single day payer health system? Explain.

Oppose. Government interventions in healthcare have failed to arrest rapidly rising healthcare costs and have actually accelerated them. Healthcare was already a government-dominated sector of the economy long before Obamacare came along. Without free-market price signals, there is no way to use resources well or productively.


4. What would you do to rein in health care costs?

I support the repeal of Obamacare, medical liability reform, allowing insurance companies to sell policies across state lines, health savings accounts, personal liberty and choice in the selection of insurance plans, and allowing young healthy individuals to purchase high-deductible catastrophic coverage.

5. If elected, are there any issues you could work with President Trump on, and would you be willing to do so?

Continuing to roll back regulations, civil service reforms, cutting taxes, eliminating dual taxation on job creators in the energy sector, and pursuing American Energy Dominance are high priorities I share with the president and hope to have the chance to advance in Congress.

6. If you had to decide today, would you vote to impeach President Trump?

Absolutely not.

7. Should the federal government play a role in setting education policy for the nation’s public schools? Explain your answer.

Article I, Section 8 explicitly delegates specific powers to Congress. Altogether, the Constitution lists 30 to 35 (depending how they are counted), education is mentioned nowhere in the entire document. My position, and I think the position of our nation’s Founding Fathers, is local control of local schools.


8. Why do you want to be a member of Congress?

Because I believe I have the ideas and energy to empower New Mexico. I’m the only candidate with specific plans to bring $2B to New Mexico (without costing taxpayers a dime) and eliminate $1 billion a day in government waste. New Mexico needs a battle-tested swamp warrior in Congress.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.


2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

I filed Chapter 7 in 2012 after massive commercial real estate losses due to the great recession of 2008 and the anemic Obama non-recovery. This information was all fully disclosed on my federal background check and did not prevent me from obtaining a national security clearance.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

No.

[31]

”
—Gavin Clarkson interview with Albuquerque Journal[32]

Yvette Herrell

Herrell's campaign website stated the following:

“

Pro-Life
Yvette Herrell has received perfect marks from Pro-Life groups for her work to defend the rights of the unborn.

Anti-Illegal Immigration
As the only candidate to support President Trump from Day 1 of his campaign, Yvette will work with President Trump to fight against illegal immigration and secure our border.

Pro-Gun
As a proud NRA member, Yvette will defend our 2nd Amendment rights and ensure law-abiding citizens have the right to bear arms.

Fight for Less Government
Like she did in the State Legislature, Yvette will continue to fight job-killing regulations and give control of public and private lands to state and local authorities.

Pro-Business
New Mexico’s businesses need a job-growth environment they can thrive in. They create the jobs in our economy. Yvette will fight for less regulation and less taxation, so they can reinvest in themselves. New Mexico can and should be a job-creating state. [31]

”
—Yvette Herrell’s campaign website (2018)[33]

Herrell gave the following answers in an interview with the Albuquerque Journal.

“

Questions for Congressional Candidates

On the topic of Immigration:

1. Please give your position on DACA.

The intent of DACA was never designed as a path to citizenship.

DACA needs to be reformed, as the objective of the deferred action plan has now expanded beyond the original intent.

2. Do you favor amnesty, a path to citizenship or worker permits for most or all of the people now living illegally in the U.S.? Who do you think, if anyone, should be deported?

I do not support amnesty. Guest worker permits should be expanded to alleviate short falls in industry not otherwise able to find employees. No one crossing our borders illegally should be allowed to stay in our country or state.

3. Do you believe the borders are secure enough? If not, what do you propose should be done to increase their security? Do you support Trump’s proposal to build a $25 billion wall?

No, the borders are not secure enough. That is evident by the increase in drugs and human trafficking. Increase border security, enforce current laws and develop protocols that will protect the American people. Yes, I support President Trump in building the wall.

4. What’s your position on skills-based immigration vs. family-based?

Regardless of skill or family-based, a person wanting to live or work in the United States needs to go through the proper channels of achieving that goal and follow the law.

On the topic of school safety and gun control:

1. Do you favor a federal ban on the sale of assault-style weapons? If so, what would you do about the millions of the assault-style weapons now legally owned by American citizens?

No.

2. What other, if any, gun law changes would you support?

I will not support any legislation that will impede on our Second Amendment.

3. Would you favor a repeal of the 2nd amendment?

No.

4. While much of the discussion on school safety centers on gun control, what other measures would you support to make schools safer?

I favor allowing conceal carry on school property. I would utilize the skill set of retired police officers/veterans to work with the school districts on developing security plans that will enhance school security as a whole. This could be done without taking officers off of the street.

On the topic of foreign policy:

1. What do you propose the U.S. do with regards to Syria?

I support President Trump’s decision to collaborate with a number of allied countries to utilize strikes in response to the attacks on innocent lives as they did just (a few) weeks ago. As far as further action, I defer commenting on this issue until we can understand what the outcomes of such action would be.

2. In Afghanistan?

After years of failed foreign policy, I support the President’s leadership in strengthening our national security and building strong relationships.

3. In Mexico?

I support a strong relationship with Mexico, in order to strengthen trade agreements and border security.

4. Relations with Russia are said to be at their worst in many years after allegations of Russian meddling in our elections, the Trump administration’s decision to sell weapons to Ukraine and the recent expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats. Do you approve of these actions? What would your posture be towards Russia?

The sale of arms to Ukraine was supported by Congress in 2014. I support President Trump in acting on and supporting our allies. My posture towards Russia would be the same as President Reagan’s “Trust, but verify.”

5. If talks fail, would you support a pre-emptive strike on North Korea to degrade its nuclear capabilities and missile delivery systems?

I am encouraged and support President Trump’s strong leadership on getting North Korea to the negotiating table and finding a resolution to this issue. I support defending and securing the United States of America.

On the economy:

1. How would you make New Mexico less dependent on federal spending? Transfer the public lands back to New Mexico.

Bring our timber industry and the jobs that go with it back to NM. By doing so, this would also streamline the permitting process for our Gas and Oil Industry and allow our cattle producers to utilize public lands to enhance production.

2. Do you support or oppose President Trump’s imposition of higher tariffs on China? Why or why not?

Yes, I support the President’s action on tariffs as it relates to China. I am encouraged by the President’s strong leadership as he holds China’s government accountable.

Other:

1. Do you favor or oppose limits on late-term abortion, and do you believe tax dollars should or should not be used to fund abortions?

Yes, I strongly favor limits on late-term abortion. As a State Representative, I have sponsored, carried and voted for legislation to protect the sanctity of life. Tax dollars should not be used to fund abortion.

2. What should be done at the federal level to address the crisis of opioid addiction?

It is a national crisis. The issue should be readily addressed at the state and local level with the support of the federal government.

3. Do you favor or oppose a national single day payer health system ?

Oppose. I support free markets, and the ability for consumers to make their own healthcare decisions.

4. What would you do to rein in health care costs?

Repeal Obamacare. Use free market solutions, giving the consumer more choices in their options of purchasing health services.

5. If elected, are there any issues you could work with President Trump on, and would you be willing to do so?

I plan to work with and support President Trump on many issues as he continues to Make America Great Again including but not limited to, a stronger national defense, improved Veteran services, and job-creation.

6. If you had to decide today, would you vote to impeach President Trump?

I would NOT vote to impeach Trump.

7. Should the federal government play a role in setting education policy for the nation’s public schools?

The emphasis for stronger education should be focused at the state and, more importantly, local level. The federal government’s role should be limited.

8. Why do you want to be a member of Congress?

People know me as a principled leader putting their values above politics. Bringing 8 years of legislative experience, I want to continue working with the people of New Mexico, so we can carry a voice to Congress that will accurately represent our values, our culture, and protect the future of our state.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

No.

[31]

”
—Yvette Herrell interview with Albuquerque Journal[34]


Monty Newman

In an interview with the Carlsbad Current-Argus, Newman identified his campaign priorities as preserving federal money related to energy interests and military bases in the district, pushing for a market-based approach to healthcare, allowing veterans more choice for healthcare, supporting President Trump's border wall "in areas where it makes sense," and moving to a merit-based immigration system.[14]

Herrell gave the following answers in an interview with the Albuquerque Journal.

“

On the topic of Immigration:


1. Please give your position on DACA.

I strongly support President Trump’s efforts to secure our borders and I vehemently oppose amnesty. Congress has been dysfunctional for far too long and issues like DACA need to be addressed once and for all.


2. Do you favor amnesty, a path to citizenship or worker permits for most or all of the people now living illegally in the U.S.? Who do you think, if anyone, should be deported?

I do not support amnesty for illegal immigrants — period. After we have secured our borders, we can move forward looking for ways to improve our legal immigration system, including worker permits.

3. Do you believe the borders are secure enough? If not, what do you propose should be done to increase their security? Do you support Trump’s proposal to build a $25 billion wall?

I do not believe our borders are secure and I believe there are many ways to improve border security, including building a wall in areas where that makes sense. We should use technology, such as drones and sensors, along areas of the borders where building a wall is not practical.

4. What’s your position on skills-based immigration vs. family-based?

America is the greatest country on the planet and we should give priority to legal immigrants who possess the skills that will make our country even better. That’s why I support skills-based immigration and oppose chain migration.

On the topic of school safety and gun control:


1. Do you favor a federal ban on the sale of assault-style weapons? If so, what would you do about the millions of the assault-style weapons now legally owned by American citizens?

I do not support a ban on any semi-automatic rifles. I will always strongly support the 2nd Amendment.

2. What other, if any, gun law changes would you support?

I believe concealed weapon permits should be honored across all 50 states. We need to direct more of our conversation to addressing mental health issues.

3. Would you favor a repeal of the 2nd amendment?

Absolutely not.

4. While much of the discussion on school safety centers on gun control, what other measures would you support to make schools safer?

Gun violence in our nation is the result of moral bankruptcy in far too many households and serious mental illness that has gone unchecked. Those that need mental health assistance should get the help they need. We should look to strengthen school security with armed and effective school resource officers.

On the topic of foreign policy:


1. What do you propose the U.S. do with regards to Syria?

We cannot allow chemical weapons to be used and that’s why I strongly supported President Trump’s military strike against Syria. We must also ensure that ISIS is defeated in the region and not allowed to use Syria as a base from which to launch attacks against our national interests.

2. In Afghanistan?

A strong military presence in Afghanistan will help prevent future attacks against the United States, however it is not our job to build that country.

3. In Mexico?

Often forgotten in the conversation about illegal immigration is one of the root causes: corrupt Mexican government leadership and complacency. In order to end illegal immigration and secure our border, we must demand that Mexican leaders do their part.

4. Relations with Russia are said to be at their worst in many years after allegations of Russian meddling in our elections, the Trump administration’s decision to sell weapons to Ukraine and the recent expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats. Do you approve of these actions? What would your posture be towards Russia?

Russia is not our friend and the recent actions in Syria underscore that point. I support former President Reagan’s philosophy of “peace through strength” with Russia.

5. If talks fail, would you support a pre-emptive strike on North Korea to degrade its nuclear capabilities and missile delivery systems?

All options must be left on the table with North Korea and our military must be allowed to do their jobs.

On the economy:


1. How would you make New Mexico less dependent on federal spending?

We must grow and diversify our economy while protecting our labs and military bases. Let’s expand the oil and gas, agriculture and tourism industries by cutting federal bureaucratic red tape. The legislature also needs to create a climate in our state where we can compete and everyone can prosper.

2. Do you support or oppose President Trump’s imposition of higher tariffs on China? Why or why not?

I support free and fair trade policies. I believe the President is in the process of negotiating with China to ensure that American businesses and workers are treated fairly.

Other:

1. Do you favor or oppose limits on late-term abortion, and do you believe tax dollars should or should not be used to fund abortions?

I strongly oppose late-term abortions. Tax dollars should not be used to fund abortions.

2. What should be done at the federal level to address the crisis of opioid addiction?

Doctors and pharmaceutical companies must be held accountable and stricter punishments must be implemented on drug dealers. The federal government needs to crackdown on trafficking and sanctuary cities which often become a hotbed for criminal activity. Congress also needs to crackdown on counterfeit opioids.

3. Do you favor or oppose a national single day payer health system? Explain.

Completely oppose. Free market principles should guide our healthcare system. Most importantly, we need to address the issue of cost for American families and we can do that by allowing insurance companies to sell insurance across state lines and giving states flexibility in determining what is included under mandatory coverage.

4. What would you do to rein in health care costs?

Competition in the marketplace will both increase the quality of care and lower the cost to consumers. We need to give states greater flexibility in defining what services are covered under government plans, look at tort reform and allow for a greater range of healthcare coverage based on need.

5. If elected, are there any issues you could work with President Trump on, and would you be willing to do so?

Absolutely. I will work with President Trump to end illegal immigration, secure our border, strengthen our military and fight for the unborn. I will also work with the President to create jobs and opportunities for all New Mexicans.

6. If you had to decide today, would you vote to impeach President Trump?

No.

7. Should the federal government play a role in setting education policy for the nation’s public schools? Explain your answer.

The federal government has a role to play in funding and assisting our nation’s public schools. However, I strongly believe in local control and believe decisions like curriculum, must be made by local school districts and not bureaucrats in Washington.

8. Why do you want to be a member of Congress?

I want to get to work for the people of New Mexico. My vast experience has left me uniquely qualified to fight for our Conservative values in Washington. I will never waver in my defense of the Constitution and I will always remember who I work for — New Mexicans.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

No

[31]

”
—Monty Newman interview with Albuquerque Journal[35]


Race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Race ratings: New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District election, 2018
Race tracker Race ratings
October 30, 2018 October 23, 2018October 16, 2018October 9, 2018
The Cook Political Report Toss-up Toss-upToss-upToss-up
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales Tilt Republican Tilt RepublicanTilt RepublicanTilt Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball Toss-up Toss-upToss-upToss-up
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

District analysis

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores

The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+6, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 6 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District the 181st most Republican nationally.[36]

FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 1.14. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 1.14 points toward that party.[37]

Pivot Counties

See also: Pivot Counties by state

Three of 33 New Mexico counties—9 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
Colfax County, New Mexico 8.55% 2.24% 10.73%
Hidalgo County, New Mexico 6.73% 4.96% 2.92%
Valencia County, New Mexico 8.60% 2.47% 7.72%

In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton (D) won New Mexico with 48.3 percent of the vote. Donald Trump (R) received 40 percent. In presidential elections between 1912 and 2016, New Mexico voted Democratic 56 percent of the time and Republican 44 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, New Mexico voted Democratic four times. The state voted Republican in 2004.[38]

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in New Mexico. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[39][40]

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 45 out of 70 state House districts in New Mexico with an average margin of victory of 29.5 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 45 out of 70 state House districts in New Mexico with an average margin of victory of 26.7 points. Clinton won nine districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 25 out of 70 state House districts in New Mexico with an average margin of victory of 24.4 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 25 out of 70 state House districts in New Mexico with an average margin of victory of 27 points. Trump won two districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.


See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ U.S. News and World Report, "Freedom Caucus Fund Endorses New Mexico Candidate," April 12, 2018
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 dchieftain.com, "Defending a seat: House candidates among speakers at county GOP event," January 25, 2018
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Albuquerque Journal, "Rep. Herrell to be first on GOP primary ballot," February 24, 2018
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Joe Monahan's New Mexico, "GOP Preprimary Meet: Herrell Trounces Newman In First Round As GOP Southern Congress Race Takes Shape, New GOP Guv Ticket Makes Rounds And: How WhistlePig Whiskey Could Keep Carl Trujillo In His Roundhouse Chair," February 26, 2018
  5. ↑ [ http://nmpolitics.net/index/2010/11/gop-leaders-want-newman-to-be-chairman/ ‘’NM Politics’’, “GOP leaders want Newman to be chairman," November 30, 2010]
  6. ↑ Republican Liberty Caucus, "Republican Liberty Caucus Endorses Clayburn Griffin For Congressional District 2 in New Mexico," May 8, 2018
  7. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' presidential results by congressional district for 2016, 2012, and 2008," November 19, 2012
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Chicago Tribune, "Trump appointee who quit after probe is running for Congress," January 8, 2018
  9. ↑ ProPublica, "Trump Appointee Resigns After ProPublica Report," November 14, 2017
  10. ↑ Gavin Clarkson for Congress, "About," accessed March 2, 2018
  11. ↑ Santa Fe New Mexican, "GOP state lawmaker running for Congress to fill Rep. Pearce’s seat," July 11, 2017
  12. ↑ Alamogordo News, "Yvette Herrell running for Congressional seat vacated by Pearce," July 11, 2017
  13. ↑ Las Cruces Sun-News, "Blue wave not likely to sweep up Pearce seat," January 6, 2018
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Carlsbad Current Argus, "Monty Newman talks health care, immigration, oil and gas," April 4, 2018
  15. ↑ Monty Newman for Congress, "About," accessed March 1, 2018
  16. ↑ Pew Research Center, "What is the House Freedom Caucus, and who’s in it?" October 20, 2015
  17. ↑ Politico, "Conservatives split off from Republican Study Committee," January 13, 2015
  18. ↑ House Freedom Fund, "Endorsements," accessed May 15, 2018
  19. ↑ Some candidates were not formally endorsed by the caucus but said they would join if elected. See a list of all Freedom Caucus-affiliated candidates here.
  20. ↑ This includes all seats not held by members of the Freedom Caucus prior to the 2018 elections, including those held by Democrats.
  21. ↑ ProPublica, "New Mexico’s 2nd District House Race - 2018 cycle," accessed May 25, 2018
  22. ↑ ProPublica, "New Mexico’s 2nd District House Race - 2018 cycle," accessed May 25, 2018
  23. ↑ ProPublica, "New Mexico’s 2nd District House Race - 2018 cycle," accessed May 25, 2018
  24. ↑ ProPublica, "New Mexico’s 2nd District House Race - 2018 cycle," accessed May 25, 2018
  25. ↑ FEC, "Federal Election Commission", accessed February 13, 2018
  26. ↑ Albuquerque Journal, "NM candidates for Congress win high-level endorsements from D.C.," January 5, 2018
  27. ↑ Las Cruces Sun News, "Torres Small, Newman our choices for Congress," May 30, 2018
  28. ↑ Albuquerque Journal, "Editorial: Journal recommendations for Congressional District 2," May 21, 2018
  29. ↑ Joe Monahan's New Mexico, "Cervantes Starts Pitching Negative On MLG In Guv Chase, NRA Dissed In ABQ Is Welcome In South; Herrell Nabs Its Endorsement, And A Kennedy Surfaces In Guv Campaign," May 17, 2018
  30. ↑ The News Tribune, "Freedom Caucus fund endorses New Mexico candidate," April 11, 2018
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  32. ↑ Albuquerque Journal, "2nd Congressional District candidate Gavin Clarkson," accessed May 14, 2018
  33. ↑ Yvetter Herrell for Congress, “Home,” accessed March 11, 2018
  34. ↑ Albuquerque Journal, "2nd Congressional District candidate Yvette Herrell," accessed May 14, 2018
  35. ↑ Albuquerque Journal, "2nd Congressional District candidate Monty Newman," accessed May 14, 2018
  36. ↑ Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
  37. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "Election Update: The Most (And Least) Elastic States And Districts," September 6, 2018
  38. ↑ 270towin.com, "New Mexico," accessed August 8, 2017
  39. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
  40. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017


New Mexico's current delegation to the United States Congress
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