NM House Candidates Clash Over Medicaid Work Requirements in Debate
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) and Republican challenger Greg Cunningham debated Oct. 16, 2026, in New Mexico's closely watched 2nd Congressional District race, sparring over new Medicaid and SNAP eligibility requirements set to take effect in 2027. Vasquez said he supports targeting waste, fraud and abuse but called the new work requirements "cruel" and pledged to reverse the SNAP cuts if Democrats win the House majority; he cited estimates that roughly 89,000 New Mexicans could lose healthcare coverage. Cunningham defended the requirements, arguing that asking able-bodied adults without children to work or volunteer a few hours weekly is not equivalent to "throwing them off" the program. The candidates also clashed over immigration enforcement, border policy, and economic affordability.