Leger Fernández, Zamora Clash in Late CD3 Debate

Teresa Leger Fernández and Martin Zamora held their first and only face-to-face debate on Friday, four days before Election Day. The event took place later than originally planned, with the candidates appearing before an audience to address voters in New Mexico’s third congressional district.

The late timing reflects the state’s voting patterns. More than 60% of New Mexicans typically vote before Election Day, a trend observed in the 2024 general election and the 2026 primary. This high rate of early and mail-in voting narrows the window for candidates to persuade undecided voters.

Journal Santa Fe Bureau Chief Dan Boyd moderated the debate, which was broadcast live by the Albuquerque Journal and its partners, KOAT-TV and News Radio KKOB. The video is also available on YouTube.

Leger Fernández, the incumbent Democrat, emphasized her bipartisan approach to governance. She cited her efforts to secure millions in federal relief for victims of flooding and wildfires, as well as settlements for those affected by atomic bomb testing and uranium mining.

"My work is bipartisan," Leger Fernández said. "I always say, 'A pot hole is not red or blue.' It just messes up your truck.'"

The congresswoman also offered sharp criticism of President Donald Trump, calling his presidency a disaster. She expressed hope that Democrats will regain control of both the House and Senate in the upcoming election.

Martin Zamora, the Republican state representative, took a direct approach in challenging the three-term incumbent. He focused his criticism on Leger Fernández’s response to the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in 2022.

"Our congresswoman has let us down there. She has failed us," Zamora said. "That’s one of the reasons we’re running."

Leger Fernández, a 17th-generation New Mexican, grew up in Las Vegas and attended the state’s first Head Start class. She later graduated from Yale University and Stanford Law School before returning to New Mexico, where she now resides in Santa Fe.

Her congressional record includes securing $3.95 billion in federal compensation for wildfire victims, with Congress later approving an additional $1.5 billion. She has also worked as an attorney on water rights and tribal sovereignty issues and currently serves on the House Rules Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.

Zamora was born on a farm near Clovis and has worked in agriculture, ranching, fertilizer, steel, trucking, and property investments. He has represented House District 63 in the New Mexico Legislature since 2019.

As the ranking Republican on the House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee, Zamora has focused on protecting agriculture and defending water rights. He also sits on the Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee.