Rebecca Dow, a House representative from New Mexico, has criticized Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for allegedly undermining constitutional rights during the pandemic and questioned her credibility on crime policy. Dow made these remarks on the social media platform X.
"Say what," said Rebecca L. Dow, New Mexico State Representative for 38th District (R). "This coming from the governor who blocked our 1st amendment religious rights to attend church or even gather in a park for months on end. Don't get me started on MLGs attacks against the 2nd Amendment, and the 14th amendment when her lockdown shuttered businesses forever."
Governor Lujan Grisham has been at the center of constitutional debates following her issuance of emergency public health orders aimed at addressing crime, including gun violence and drug use. Critics argue that these measures overstepped executive authority. In March 2025, the New Mexico Supreme Court upheld most of her actions but ruled against suspending the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, stating it was unrelated to her objectives. This case illustrates the ongoing tension between public safety measures and civil liberties.
New Mexico implemented strict COVID-19 restrictions starting March 24, 2020. Nonessential businesses were closed until mid-May, and mass gatherings were limited, affecting even houses of worship. The state imposed fines, such as $5,000 penalties to two Albuquerque megachurches for exceeding attendance caps during Christmas 2020. These actions highlight how closures and enforcement shaped pandemic policy.
Nationally, constitutional challenges have influenced pandemic restrictions on religious activities. On November 25, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court enjoined New York’s strict attendance caps on worship services. Similarly, on April 9, 2021, it blocked California’s restrictions on at-home prayer meetings. These rulings emphasized that states cannot favor secular activities over religious exercises.
Rebecca Dow is a Republican legislator representing District 38 in the New Mexico House of Representatives, which includes Doña Ana, Sierra, and Socorro counties. She was first elected in 2016 and served until 2022 before returning to the legislature in 2025 after winning reelection in 2024. By profession, she is an educator and CEO.
