Leger Fernández claims $3.95 billion in wildfire relief as CD3 race heads to the wire
The incumbent and challenger met for their only debate on Friday, four days before voters cast ballots in New Mexico's Congressional District 3.
By Andrew Hayes ·
New Mexico voters have had little time to weigh their final arguments in the Congressional District 3 race.
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández and state representative Martin Zamora held their sole face-to-face debate on Friday. This timing came four days before the November 3 election, a delay that left them to address undecided voters near the end of the campaign.
Leger Fernández emphasized her track record in securing federal resources for residents. She cited her role in obtaining $3.95 billion in federal compensation for victims of the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires. Congress later approved an additional $1.5 billion for these victims. She also pointed to settlements for those affected by atomic bomb testing and uranium mining as evidence of her bipartisan work.
The incumbent criticized President Donald Trump during the broadcast, calling his presidency a disaster. She expressed hope that Democrats will regain control of both the House and Senate. Leger Fernández, a 17th-generation New Mexican who attended Yale and Stanford Law School, now lives in Santa Fe.
Zamora, a Republican from Clovis, challenged the incumbent's handling of the 2022 wildfire response. He argued that Leger Fernández failed the district during that crisis, a factor that motivated his candidacy. Zamora has represented House District 63 in the state legislature since 2019. He serves on the House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee as the ranking Republican.
The challenger highlighted his background in agriculture and business, including fertilizer, steel, and trucking operations. He noted that his family has worked the land in New Mexico for generations. Zamora lives in Clovis, a community far from the political centers of Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
The debate was moderated by Dan Boyd, the bureau chief for the Journal in Santa Fe. It was broadcast live by the Journal, KOAT-TV, and News Radio KKOB. More than 60 percent of New Mexicans are expected to vote before Election Day based on recent voting patterns. This early turnout limits the window for candidates to influence remaining undecided voters.
