With Governor Elect Deb Haaland (lower right) leading the top of the Democratic slate to a resounding victory, the party retained all national and statewide offices and grew its majority in the state house.The Veterans and Military Families Caucus endorsed 31 New Mexico candidates in the November 3 General election. Thirty of those were victorious and the candidate for House District 60, Luke Jungman, running for second time in often red Rio Rancho, considerably improved his showing over his 2024 race against the Republican incumbent. Persistence regularly prevails in New Mexico and it’s very possible that the third time, especially in a Presidential year, could be the charm for Luke.

Caucus Chair Frank Smith (upper left) was victorious in a red-leaning County Commission district, Sandoval’s third, after a hard fought campaign, winning by 51% or 334 votes of 15,632 cast.

Caucus CD 2 Vice Chair, Vanessa Ordoňez (upper right) prevailed in red-leaning Doňa Ana County to become the second woman and first Latino to serve as  Doňa Ana County Sheriff.

Not only did the Caucus endorse Congressman Gabe Vasquez, but many members took part in campaign events supporting his candidacy in New Mexico’s heavily Republican second district.  Although targeted by national Republicans, Vasquez defeated a MAGA opponent by nearly 9%. 

With high midterm turnout, a resounding message was sent to Washington by New Mexico that the days of MAGA dominance of public policy are over. 

Here are the victors endorsed by the Veterans and Military Families Caucus.