New Mexico’s 2nd District: Speaker Johnson Backs Herrell in High-Stakes Race

According to Border Report, In a crucial visit to Las Cruces, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of key toss-up districts in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives this November. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, voiced strong support for former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell as she campaigns for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.

Addressing a packed audience at Herrell’s new Las Cruces campaign office, Johnson expressed enthusiasm about Herrell’s return to the political arena. “We came here to turn up the heat in this district,” Johnson declared. “I am so excited about Yvette getting back in this battle. She served with us in Congress, we desperately need her back. She is a great spirit, she is a fighter, she is a small businesswoman and job creator.”

Johnson praised Herrell’s previous work both in New Mexico and during her tenure in Congress, emphasizing her dedication and effectiveness. “She has proven herself in the state Legislature and she did it in Congress as well. But we have a tough district here, right? The 2nd District of New Mexico is one of the big ‘toss-up’ districts in the country, but we’re going to prove them wrong,” he said, underscoring the competitive nature of the race.

Herrell is challenging Democratic U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, who defeated her two years ago after the Democratic-controlled state Legislature redrew her district, extending it all the way to Albuquerque. The district is currently rated as a toss-up by national polls and analysts, including the Cook Political Report and Inside Elections. A recent poll, favorable to Republicans, showed the GOP just two seats short of the 218 needed to control the House, with NM-02 as a pivotal district.

Despite the tight race, Vasquez remains optimistic about his campaign and the broader goals of his party. “The future of our country is at stake,” he told Border Report while attending a trade meeting in Sunland Park, New Mexico. “In Chicago, Democrats are delivering a message of positivity of a future that is brighter for Americans. [….] For me, it’s a duty that I’ve chosen, it’s the public service that I’ve entered. So, it’s critically important that New Mexicans come out to vote and choose somebody who has put the work in and been able to deliver for this district, which I have.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee is backing Herrell’s bid by staffing her Solano Drive “Battle Station” campaign office, reflecting the high stakes of the race.

Herrell, acknowledging Johnson’s endorsement, outlined her campaign’s focus on supporting American energy production, restoring American values, and enforcing immigration laws. “In our nation right now, they are burning American flags, they’re saying, ‘Death to America!’ How is that possible in a country that we have service members and vets who fought so hard to keep us free? This is where we are at,” Herrell stated.

Both Herrell and Johnson criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, blaming them for the surge in illegal immigration over the past three and a half years. They voiced concerns, often echoed by Republicans, about the potential risks posed by undocumented migrants, including the possibility of them voting in U.S. elections, receiving federal benefits, or posing security threats.

Johnson, reflecting on his frequent visits to the border, stated, “I believe there is about 16 million illegals who have come across the border during Biden-Harris. The numbers they report are much lower, but I’ve been to the border a lot. What the Border Patrol tells us is about 70 percent of the people who’ve crossed over are single adult males ages 18 to 45. These are not persecuted families needing asylum; these are dangerous individuals.”

Local Republican supporters at the event echoed Johnson’s sentiments, particularly on immigration. State Representative John Block, R-Alamogordo, highlighted the issue as pivotal in flipping the district. “The number one issue is the border crisis. The crisis is crazy with Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Gabe Vasquez championing open borders radical policies,” Block stated. He also pointed to the economy as another critical concern, noting how “families are hurting every single day.”

As the race for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District heats up, both Herrell and Vasquez are preparing for a fiercely contested election, with national implications on the line.