HED: New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District: Yvette Herrell
Yvette Herrell (R) is running against incumbent Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D) to represent New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District — which encompasses most of southern New Mexico, including the United States-Mexico border. Herrell was in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2011-19 and was U.S. representative for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District from 2021-23, according to the Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress.
Herrell did not respond to the Daily Lobo’s requests for an interview through her website and via email.
Education
Herrell’s website lists values such as “(getting) politics out of the classroom” and for “more parent oversight of public education” as part of her “common-sense solutions.”
In 2022, Herrell sent a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, urging her to defend school choice and parental rights, according to the Grant County Beat. In the letter, Herrell advocated for charter schools.
Crime
Herrell is endorsed by the New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association and the Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association, according to her campaign website.
In 2018, Herrell shared a post on X, showing her support for law enforcement.
“From ICE to our local police officers, members of #lawenforcement need elected officials to support and stand by them. These brave men and women keep our communities safe, and they can count on me to stand with law enforcement,” the post reads.
In 2020, Herrell posted on X sharing that she signed a police pledge.
“It's time we defend the police, not defund them! I’m proud to sign the @Heritage_Action Police Pledge — in Congress I will always stand with our law enforcement officers,” the post reads.
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Gun policy
In a 2020 Facebook post, Herrell wrote that she was ready to defend “our God-given rights in Congress.”
“I have a consistent record of supporting our Second Amendment, earning endorsements from the NRA and Gun Owners of America, years of ‘A’ ratings from the National Rifle Association when I was in the legislature and an ‘A’ rating from Pro-Gun Women,” the post reads.
In a 2021 Q&A with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Herrell said she grew up with firearms.
“Responsible firearm usage and education has always been a part of who I am and how I grew up,” Herrell said in the Q&A. “I’ve been proud to support a variety of bills that protect American firearm makers and enthusiasts.”
Economy and jobs
On her website, Herrell lists high prices and a stagnant economy as issues impacting New Mexicans.
“We can put Americans back to work if we end the subsidies that keep them home and make it easier to manufacture in America, create jobs and start a small business. That starts with reducing burdensome regulations and using common sense,” the website reads.
A reduction in gas and grocery prices is also a priority for Herrell, according to her website.
Environment and energy
Herrell’s website cites a priority to “stop the radical green agenda and lower our gas prices.”
In 2022, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability shared a press release that included video of Herrell speaking about her position on energy at a hearing in Washington as a member of the Subcommittee on the Environment.
“New Mexico is the third largest oil-producer in the country and a world leader in natural gas production,” Herrell said at the hearing. “We need to increase oil and gas production on federal lands, so that New Mexico’s school children have the funding they need for excellent educational opportunities for decades to come.”
Abortion
Herrell states her position on abortion is “pro-life” on her campaign website.
“As a Christian, I believe every human life is a sacred gift from God. I also greatly empathize with the many women who find themselves with an unintended pregnancy, which is why I support exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother,” Herrell’s website reads.
Herrell also does not agree with New Mexico’s current abortion policies, according to her website.
“I am disappointed to see our progressive leaders continue to create a late-term abortion tourism industry in our state using your taxpayer dollars,” her website reads.
In a televised campaign ad, Herrell said: “I will not support a national abortion ban.”
Border and immigration
Herrell's website lists securing the border and supporting Border Patrol as part of her “common-sense solutions.”
On Oct. 16, Herrell told KOB she is proud of having an endorsement from the U.S. Border Patrol Council.
“They know how hard I work as a sitting member of Congress and how hard I have advocated for the last two years about securing our border … every community in this nation is a border community,” Herrell told KOB.
Herrell has a petition on her campaign website to “end catch and release,” “reinstate remain in Mexico,” and “restart border wall construction.”
War in Gaza and surrounding regions
Herrell posted on X on July 11 about her endorsement from the Republican Jewish Coalition.
“Honored to be endorsed by the @RJC! While my opponent sides with pro-Hamas radicals, I’ll continue to stand with our ally Israel,” the post reads.
Herrell also posted on X on April 13, emphasizing her support for Israel.
“The American people stand unequivocally with Israel. These are cowardly attacks from the Iranian regime, and I strongly support Israel’s right to defend themselves against this evil,” Herrell’s post reads.
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
