Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a campaign rally in Albuquerque this Thursday, marking his first visit to New Mexico since 2019. This unexpected visit comes as Republicans in the state are showing increased early voting numbers compared to Democrats. Political expert Brian Sanderoff noted that Trump’s visit could potentially impact the highly competitive 2nd Congressional District race, as his focus on border issues aligns with the concerns of many New Mexicans.
Despite historically leaning Democrat and not being on Trump’s original campaign schedule, his visit could energize Republican supporters in the state, particularly in Bernalillo County where a significant portion of votes are cast. While incumbent Democrat Gabe Vasquez has been leading in polls against Republican challenger Yvette Herrell, Trump’s visit may help boost Herrell’s support in the final days leading up to the election.
However, Sanderoff warned that Trump will likely face challenges in turning the state red, as New Mexico has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 2004. Nevertheless, Trump’s emphasis on key issues like border security could resonate with voters in the state and potentially impact the outcome of the 2nd Congressional District race. Stay tuned for updates on this visit and its implications for the upcoming election.
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