Under Autocratic, Selfish Governor, New Mexico Remains at the Bottom in Education and at the Top in Joblessness

Albuquerque, June 3--Today's announcement by Gov. Lujan Grisham that she intends to run for a second term in 2022 is unfortunate for the people of New Mexico. This Governor's administration has been full of scandals, mismanagement, deceit and hypocrisy.

Lujan Grisham has hurt New Mexicans with poor leadership, unjust decisions and weak management. She doesn't deserve to serve again or deserve the respect of the voters of New Mexico.

New Mexico remains at the bottom nationally in education, job growth and opportunity. The Land of Enchantment has the 2nd highest unemployment rate at a whopping 8.3%. After three years of Lujan Grisham at the helm, New Mexico continues to find itself on shaky fiscal footing, a mecca for criminals and a national embarrassment, thanks to her poor political and legislative priorities. She vetoed $1.2 billion in vital federal COVID funding for our hurting constituents, and her radical policies have driven a stake through the heart of New Mexico.

This past year, the Governor's unfair and illegal decisions during the pandemic killed our economy, lost thousands of jobs and cost our children a school year with no classrooms. Many students and job seekers have had to move out of state to return to a normal, productive life. The Governor even gave her staff pay raises while suffering New Mexicans were waiting in food lines.

The Governor's dictatorial politics have infringed upon our freedoms, rights and led to despair among our citizens. Her refusal to reopen New Mexico this past year has caused irreparable damage to our state and has led to suicide and mental health problems. Lujan Grisham based her COVID decisions on political science, not medical science. Her poor guidance and understanding of what's important to New Mexico have cost lives and the ability for thousands of New Mexicans to return to a sense of normalcy.

The Governor not only has done little to improve New Mexico, but her character must be questioned. She continues to act like a monarch with absolute rule. During this past year, Lujan Grisham has broken the rules that she decreed for New Mexicans. She closed shops to the public but enjoyed buying jewelry for herself, closed grocery stores but feasted on steaks and exotic foods at taxpayers' expense.

Is this the kind of leader we want to sit in the Governor's office four more years?

This governor is not only swimming in scandal, but has demonstrated a lack of moral character, paying hush money to a former campaign worker.

She is the subject of an ethics complaint after she dipped into campaign funds to illegally buy her personal cosmetics—paying her daughter do her hair and makeup.

In yet another scandal, the Governor apparently instructed staff and state agencies to violate state law to avoid government transparency and fired the whistleblowers.

A cabinet officer resigned after his Department overpaid $250 million in unemployment claims.

Is this leadership?

These acts cause us to say that the Governor has failed to lead the state in the right direction.

We need a Governor whom we can trust and who will comply with state and federal laws.

"Gov. Lujan Grisham has broken faith with the voters of New Mexico," said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. "Her weaknesses include consistent failed policies, squandered budget surpluses and economic collapse. She has violated public trust and caused great destruction to our state. We have endured too many scandals and state law violations. What we need in 2022 is to elect a Governor who will bring back fiscal responsibility, restore faith and confidence in our government and return traditional New Mexico values for our citizens."

The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662.