New Mexico State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) said the decision from New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard to not allow guests of a rally for President Donald Trump to use the assigned parking lot is an act of "sheer, naked, bitter partisanship."

"She is holding the parking lot hostage, hoping that without it the campaign will be forced to cancel the rally," Townsend said about Garcia Richard. "She has no right to do what she is doing.

"This is outrageous," he said. "This is sheer, naked, bitter partisanship. It should enrage you, as it enraged me."

The Trump campaign is scheduled for a rally in Albuquerque on Thursday, October 31. The venue is a private hanger at Albuquerque International Sunport, with guests instructed to park at the Isleta Amphitheater where they will be shuttled to the rally location. 

Garcia Richard said the use of the parking lot for events is only allowed for events happening at the amphitheater and not for events off site, the Sante Fe New Mexican reported.

The Trump campaign previously inquired about holding the rally at the Expo New Mexico and at the Albuquerque Convention Center, but was turned down for both locations. Townsend said the denials were due to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, both Democrat politicians.

"I need your help," Townsend wrote in a public letter to New Mexicans. "I urge you to call Stephanie Garcia Richard's office at 505-827-5760 and demand that she stop misusing her office for the sake of naked political power."

"Help me hold them accountable, and please share this widely so everyone in New Mexico knows about this behavior," he said. 

The rally is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. on Thursday, with President Trump giving his remarks at 12 p.m. Afterwards he is expected to make an appearance in Henderson.