Stefani Lord, a House Representative from New Mexico, has reiterated her calls for the impeachment of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. This follows the governor's controversial statement about constitutional rights, which was made on the social media platform X.
"Just one of many reasons Rep. Block and I have tried to impeach her," said Lord, New Mexico State Representative for 22nd District (R). "She also declared that “no constitutional right, in my view, including my oath, is intended to be absolute. Maybe she should actually read the Constitution before swearing an oath to it. Good thing the Founders didn't write it in pencil."
Governor Lujan Grisham faced significant backlash in 2023 after issuing an emergency order that suspended the public carry of firearms in Albuquerque. The order drew bipartisan criticism and refusals from law enforcement to enforce it. Republican lawmakers threatened impeachment, while Democrats voiced concerns over potential violations of constitutional rights. The governor eventually narrowed the scope of the order and allowed it to lapse, according to reports by the Associated Press.
A poll conducted by KOAT/SurveyUSA in September 2023 revealed that 68% of New Mexico voters opposed the firearms ban imposed by Governor Lujan Grisham. The poll also indicated a general consensus that crime is more influenced by individual behavior than access to guns. These findings have played a role in shaping the political discourse surrounding impeachment efforts and constitutional rights within the state.
Historically, impeaching state governors is a rare occurrence, with only a few having been removed from office through such proceedings. Notable examples include Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in 2009, Arizona Governor Evan Mecham in 1988, and New York Governor William Sulzer in 1913. These cases highlight the significant legal and political challenges involved in removing a governor via impeachment, as reported by History.com.
Lord has served as a Republican representative for New Mexico House District 22 since 2021 and resides in Sandia Park. She holds positions as Ranking Member on the House Rural Development, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee and serves on the Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. Her legislative focus includes rural development, public safety, and upholding constitutional rights, according to information from the New Mexico Legislature.
