Republican Drops Out of Congressional District 2 Primary

Jose Orozco withdraws candidacy, endorses Greg Cunningham ahead of June primary election.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty government office interior, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the desks and chairs, conveying a sense of political transition and uncertainty.As the political landscape shifts, an empty government office reflects the uncertainty surrounding the 2nd Congressional District race.Albuquerque Today

A Republican candidate, Jose Orozco, has announced he is dropping out of the primary election for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. Orozco, who was previously running against Greg Cunningham for the Republican nomination, said he believes consolidating support for Cunningham will give Republicans a better chance of flipping the seat in the November general election. Incumbent Democratic Congressman Gabe Vasquez is running unopposed in the primary.

Why it matters

The 2nd Congressional District race in New Mexico is expected to be highly competitive in the 2026 midterm elections, with Republicans hoping to regain control of the seat that Vasquez narrowly won in 2022. Orozco's withdrawal and endorsement of Cunningham could impact the dynamics of the Republican primary and the general election.

The details

Jose Orozco, who had previously qualified to run in the Republican primary for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, announced on Wednesday that he is dropping out of the race. Orozco, who described himself as a former U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency contractor, said he believes 'consolidating support' for his primary opponent Greg Cunningham will give Republicans a better chance of winning the seat in November. Cunningham, a former U.S. Marine and Albuquerque police detective, is now running unopposed in the June 2 primary election.

  • Orozco announced his withdrawal on April 8, 2026.
  • The Republican primary election in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
  • The general election for the 2nd Congressional District seat will be held on November 3, 2026.

The players

Jose Orozco

A former U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency contractor who had previously qualified to run in the Republican primary for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.

Greg Cunningham

A former U.S. Marine and Albuquerque police detective who is now the sole Republican candidate in the primary election for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.

Gabe Vasquez

The incumbent Democratic Congressman representing New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, who is running unopposed in the primary election.

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What they’re saying

“This decision was not made lightly. I believe consolidating support for Greg Cunningham will give Republicans a better shot at flipping the congressional district on the night of the Nov. 3 general election.”

— Jose Orozco, Former Republican Candidate

“Now is the time for unity, focus and action. Together, we can win in November and restore strong leadership for our district and our country.”

— Jose Orozco, Former Republican Candidate

“Public service is not about political clout. Greg Cunningham will deliver real results for the people of New Mexico.”

— Jose Orozco, Former Republican Candidate

What’s next

The Republican primary election in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District is scheduled for June 2, 2026, where Greg Cunningham will now run unopposed. The winner of the Republican primary will face incumbent Democratic Congressman Gabe Vasquez in the November 3, 2026 general election.

The takeaway

Orozco's withdrawal from the Republican primary and endorsement of Cunningham could have significant implications for the 2nd Congressional District race in New Mexico. The move suggests a desire for Republican unity heading into the general election, but it remains to be seen whether it will give Cunningham a boost against the incumbent Vasquez.