UMVA has learned that a Republican congressional candidate in New Mexico is making a bold bet that his Hispanic heritage and military background will be the key to winning over historically Democratic voters in the fall.
Greg Cunningham, a Marine reconnaissance veteran and former law enforcement officer, believes he has a unique connection to the Hispanic community in the state's 2nd Congressional District, which he hopes will translate into votes. Cunningham's experience in combat, as a police officer, and as a DEA task force officer has given him a deep understanding of the challenges facing the district, including high levels of crime and narcotics trafficking.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Cunningham's campaign is focused on appealing to the values that are central to the Hispanic community, such as family, culture, and faith. He believes that by speaking to voters on a personal level, he can transcend party affiliations and connect with them on a deeper level. With New Mexico being roughly 50% Hispanic, Cunningham is counting on his ability to resonate with this demographic to help him secure the seat.
Cunningham's candidacy is significant because he will be the first new GOP candidate voters will consider since 2018, and he is determined to prove that Republicans can win in the district. The 2nd Congressional District is currently held by a Democrat, but it voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, indicating that there may be an opportunity for the GOP to flip the seat. Cunningham is confident that his background and experience make him the ideal candidate to take on this challenge.
UMVA has gathered that Cunningham's campaign will face an uphill battle, as the district is currently rated as "leaning" Democratic. However, Cunningham is undaunted, and he believes that his unique perspective and experience will help him connect with voters in a way that his opponents cannot. As the campaign heats up, it will be interesting to see whether Cunningham's strategy will pay off and if he can convince voters that he is the right person for the job.
Cunningham's message of unity and shared values is one that he hopes will resonate with voters across party lines. By focusing on the issues that matter most to the Hispanic community, such as family, culture, and faith, he believes he can build a coalition of support that will carry him to victory. With the balance of power in 2026 hanging in the balance, Cunningham's campaign is one to watch, and his success or failure will have significant implications for the future of the GOP.
