Dr. Nancy Wright is a 23-year pediatrician, past president of the NM Medical Society, and enrolled Pawnee Nation member. She was defeated in the June 2, 2026 primary by incumbent Joseph Sanchez (70%–30%). We are grateful for her years of service and her courageous campaign to bring science and community care to HD-40.
Dr. Wright has practiced pediatrics for 23 years at the Las Vegas, NM hospital. She holds a public health degree and began her health career in a Peace Corps assignment to Nigeria. She is a past president of the New Mexico Medical Society and an enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation. Both she and her husband (a veterinarian) are licensed pilots. She writes: "Flying reflects the same principles that guide my medical practice and public service: preparation, accountability, sound judgment, and respect for science and safety."
The Race
HD-40 spans Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Taos Counties in northern New Mexico. Dr. Wright brings science-based leadership and deep community ties to a district that deserves both.
The Opponent
Incumbent Joseph Sanchez won this seat three times but lost an attempt against Teresa Leger Fernandez's first US House campaign. He is the GM of Jemez Mountain electrical cooperative. His financial disclosures reveal heavy reliance on oil and gas donors.
Key votes: In 2023, Sanchez voted No on SB53, which (when signed by the Governor) prevented the HOLTEC nuclear waste storage project in New Mexico. In 2023, both houses voted on legislation to increase the royalty rate charged to oil and gas companies to match Texas rates (25%). Sanchez was one of only five Democrats to join Republicans in opposing the bill. In the next legislative session, he voted against the same goal (SB23-2025), which ultimately passed and was signed by the Governor.
Sanchez has a long record of supporting conservative Democrats, including Debbie Rodella, Ambrose Castellano, Harry Garcia, and Willie Madrid — candidates who have often broken ranks on key progressive issues. In April 2026, political observer Joe Monahan noted that Sanchez donated $10,000 to the Bregman campaign for mayor of Albuquerque, "signaling continued dissatisfaction among Hispanic men with his very 'woke' party."
See Joseph Sanchez' donors on MoneyTrail NM — many oil and gas companies, some obvious and some not.
Latest Updates
- Dr. Wright was defeated in the June 2 primary by incumbent Joseph Sanchez, 70% to 30%. We are deeply grateful for her years of service as a physician and public advocate, and for her courageous campaign to bring science and community care to HD-40. (D primary: Sanchez 70%, 3,965 — Wright 30%, 1,683; R primary: Dooley 100%, 1,145)
Support
- Campaign website
- Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club — endorsement