Ariana Marmolejo Regional Communications Strategist (West) | Conservation Voters New Mexico
On June 13, 2025, a political assassination occurred in Minnesota, claiming the lives of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were injured in a separate attack at their residence. Authorities have identified a suspect and are actively searching for them, with a shelter-in-place order currently enforced. The police believe the assailant might have been targeting "No Kings" protests planned across Minnesota and nationwide.
Molly Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM), responded to the events with a statement: “Today, the nation witnessed an unspeakable tragedy with the assassination and attempted assassination of two sitting state legislators and their spouses in Minnesota. We join the voices of many in condemning these attacks that have sent deep ripples through local communities and the nation. Our hearts are with both families targeted by this senseless act of violence, and the many community leaders and members grieving this assault on our democracy. Our thoughts are also with Conservation Minnesota, our partner organization, who has worked alongside the Minnesota state legislature for decades on policy. Political violence is unacceptable in any form. There is no place in a functioning democracy for anyone to resort to the use of terror because they disapprove of a candidate for public office. We call on leadership in all political parties to condemn this attack, and all language and action encouraging political violence, in the strongest possible terms, without equivocation.”
The incident follows years marked by rising political tensions and violence. CVNM recalled past threats it faced when it received an anonymous letter containing campaign material against Representative Nathan Small along with offensive language directed at him, the Democratic Party of New Mexico, and CVNM itself. The letter also included anti-Semitic symbols and an unidentified chemical substance which was later found inert after FBI testing.
Additionally, CVNM highlighted incidents from late 2022 to early 2023 involving Solomon Peña who had lost an election race but then organized shootings at homes of officials who certified election results.
CVNM is committed to connecting New Mexicans to their political power for environmental protection by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding officials accountable, and promoting responsible policies.
