Who Is Running in New Mexico Congressional District 1st in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Melanie Stansbury
(Incumbent)Economy
HighMelanie Stansbury prioritizes expanding the economy, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful jobs. She advocates for an equitable recovery that centers working families and small businesses, as well as communities facing the greatest impacts. She supports policies such as the THRIVE Act, which aims for economic renewal by addressing the pandemic, racial injustice, and the climate crisis, while also fostering good-paying union jobs.
Immigration
HighMelanie Stansbury advocates for a compassionate approach to immigration, supporting family reunification and a pathway to citizenship to enhance the country's economic and cultural landscape. She opposes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and criticized House GOP efforts to advance H.R.2, which she states revives Trump-era border policies that put children in cages. Additionally, she voted against the Secure the Border Act and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
Healthcare
HighMelanie Stansbury supports Medicare for All, stating that healthcare is a human right and advocating for universal access regardless of pre-existing conditions. She celebrated the House passage of health care insurance subsidies, noting they expand access for uninsured individuals. Stansbury also co-reintroduced the Public Health Nursing Act, which aims to bolster the nursing workforce to address healthcare shortages. Additionally, she voted against a Republican funding deal, criticizing its negative impact on healthcare access.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Melanie Stansbury |
|---|---|
| Economy | Melanie Stansbury prioritizes expanding the economy, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful jobs. She advocates for an equitable recovery that centers working families and small businesses, as well as communities facing the greatest impacts. She supports policies such as the THRIVE Act, which aims for economic renewal by addressing the pandemic, racial injustice, and the climate crisis, while also fostering good-paying union jobs. High |
| Immigration | Melanie Stansbury advocates for a compassionate approach to immigration, supporting family reunification and a pathway to citizenship to enhance the country's economic and cultural landscape. She opposes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and criticized House GOP efforts to advance H.R.2, which she states revives Trump-era border policies that put children in cages. Additionally, she voted against the Secure the Border Act and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. High |
| Healthcare | Melanie Stansbury supports Medicare for All, stating that healthcare is a human right and advocating for universal access regardless of pre-existing conditions. She celebrated the House passage of health care insurance subsidies, noting they expand access for uninsured individuals. Stansbury also co-reintroduced the Public Health Nursing Act, which aims to bolster the nursing workforce to address healthcare shortages. Additionally, she voted against a Republican funding deal, criticizing its negative impact on healthcare access. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Melanie Stansbury actively supports climate and environmental initiatives, earning a 2025 score of 100% and a 97% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, which endorsed her. She voted against the Reliable Power Act in 2026 and opposed the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act (HR 4626) and Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (HR 4758). Stansbury advocates for legislation to address climate change, develop renewable energy, and ensure water security, citing natural resource protection as essential for economic prosperity. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Melanie Stansbury supports reproductive rights, emphasizing that every individual should have the right to make decisions about their own body and access essential reproductive health care. In Congress, she co-sponsored and voted for the Women's Health Protection Act to codify abortion rights nationwide. Stansbury also voted to pass the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act and the Right to Contraception Act, and she opposed an amendment to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. High |
| Foreign Policy | Melanie Stansbury voted against the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, citing concerns about presidential and defense secretary actions and discriminatory provisions within the bill. She supported H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, providing $60.1 billion in security assistance. She also opposed H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which would have enabled immediate delivery of assistance without adherence to existing arms transfer laws. High |
| Education | Melanie Stansbury has prioritized education, voting to increase teacher pay and expand educational opportunities as a state legislator. She co-sponsored legislation to establish an Early Childhood Education and Care Fund to invest in early childhood education. In Congress, she aims to increase educational opportunities for children, raise teacher salaries, and invest in education from pre-K through higher education, including community support services. She also endorsed candidates for the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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