Race · November 3, 2026
U.S. House · New Mexico's 1st District
2 candidates on the ballot.1
§1Candidates
Why this matters: Every candidate the state lists for this race on the November ballot, in the state's own order.
§2Side by side
Why this matters: The same facts for every candidate, in the same order. Where we found nothing for a candidate, the cell says so — that means we didn't find it in public sources, not that it doesn't exist.
| Fact | Melanie Ann Stansbury | Ndidiamaka Ekwua Charlene Okpareke |
|---|---|---|
| Party on the ballot | DEM1 | REP1 |
| Status | Incumbent2 | Challenger |
| Raised | $1,721,315 through October 14, 20263 | $174,529 through October 14, 20264 |
| Cash on hand | $310,7463 | $57,5454 |
| Health insurance system | One government plan for everyone (Medicare for All) Her campaign website says health care is a human right and that she supports Medicare for All, along with making sure everyone has access to quality care regardless of pre-existing conditions.5 | Her campaign website says that, drawing on her work as a pharmacist, she will work for affordable, accessible health care in New Mexico, with attention to quality, lower prices at the pharmacy and more access in communities with the greatest need.6 |
Issues only one candidate has addressed
By candidate, in ballot order. We found nothing public from the other candidates in this race on these issues.
Melanie Ann Stansbury — 10 issues
- Discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identityPass broad protections such as the Equality ActHer campaign website says she will fight to protect LGBTQIA+ rights, end discrimination in employment, health care and housing, and ensure that laws cover everyone, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.5
- Marijuana lawsMake it legal for adults to buy and useHer campaign website says she voted in 2019 to decriminalize cannabis, supports expunging records of nonviolent drug offenders, and supports legislation allowing recreational cannabis, regulated in the way alcohol is.5
- Federal minimum wageRaise to $15 or moreHer campaign website says she wants the federal minimum wage set at $15 an hour.5
- Campaign finance rulesHer campaign website says she has led efforts to take big money out of politics, supports campaign finance reform at all levels, and has had a policy since 2018 of not accepting funds from corporations or corporate PACs.5
- Conservation and development on federal landsHer campaign website lists preserving public lands among the goals of legislation she is working on, along with action on climate change, more renewable energy, water security and clean air.5
- Child care costsHer campaign website says she supports a Child and Dependent Care Credit and wants to reduce the financial burden on working families who need child care.5
- Food assistance (SNAP)Undo the 2025 changes or expand benefits and eligibilityHer campaign website says she will back bills in Congress that would broaden food and income support programs and send money to fight childhood hunger nationwide.5
- Paid family and medical leaveHer campaign website says she will work in Congress to expand paid family and medical leave.5
- Legal status for immigrants here without permission, including DreamersA path to citizenship for most who meet requirements such as background checksHer campaign website says families must be reunited and the country must provide a path to citizenship, and that she supports humane immigration policies that address the root causes of migration.5
- High-speed internet accessHer campaign website lists broadband among the infrastructure investments she champions in Congress, along with drinking water systems and road paving.5
Issue statements are drafted by AI from the public sources cited, and only cover what each candidate has said publicly.