LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Democrat Gabe Vasquez secured his second term on Tuesday, overcoming Republican Yvette Herrell in a rematch for a U.S. House seat in New Mexico.

Media outlets like the Associated Press, FOX News, and YSL News reported Vazquez’s victory in the race for the 2nd Congressional District, where he previously beat Herrell by a margin of 1,350 votes in 2022.

Reflecting on the campaign, Vasquez told the Las Cruces Sun-News, which is part of the YSL News Network, “This time, my deep understanding of the issues affecting our district made the difference. I haven’t focused much on the former congresswoman or her platform. My priority was to govern effectively from day one and continue that until my term concludes. Regardless of the election outcome, I want to take pride in my actions, which I believe have instilled voter confidence for my return to Congress.”

In the past six years, the seat has changed party hands three times. Herrell narrowly lost to Democrat Xochitl Torres Small in 2018 but won their rematch in 2020, capturing 54% of the 264,946 votes cast.

The battle for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District was seen as a potential swing district, attracting high-profile campaigners. House Speaker Mike Johnson promoted Herrell in Las Cruces over the summer, and former President Donald Trump visited Albuquerque last week. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also campaigned in Albuquerque in October.

Herrell’s campaign criticized Vasquez on immigration and border issues while also addressing concerns about rising living costs and crime rates.

In response, Vasquez recently proposed the bipartisan Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, designed to enhance funding, technology, and staffing for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additionally, he introduced a series of immigration and border-related bills in November 2023.