Oct 14, 2026 · 6 min · 10 segments
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New Mexico's first congressional district candidates, Melanie Stansberry and Didio Parake, found little common ground during a 30-minute debate on Tuesday, despite agreeing the Trump administration should end the U.S. military's involvement in Iran.
Opara Kay, a Republican political newcomer, repeatedly criticized the Democratic incumbent, accusing Stansberry of not doing enough for New Mexico, and questioning her record on federal funding and education.
Stansberry defended her record and focused much of her criticism on President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
She warned that cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs could affect hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans.
The candidates also discussed prescription drug costs, early childhood program, and the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's ties to New Mexico.
The district has not elected a Republican since 2006, and early voting is underway, with election day set for November 3rd.
New Mexico's first congressional district candidates, Melanie Stansberry and Didio Parake, found little common ground during a 30-minute debate on Tuesday, despite agreeing the Trump administration should end the U.S. military's involvement in Iran.
Opara Kay, a Republican political newcomer, repeatedly criticized the Democratic incumbent, accusing Stansberry of not doing enough for New Mexico, and questioning her record on federal funding and education.
Stansberry defended her record and focused much of her criticism on President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
She warned that cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs could affect hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans.
The candidates also discussed prescription drug costs, early childhood program, and the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's ties to New Mexico.
The district has not elected a Republican since 2006, and early voting is underway, with election day set for November 3rd.
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