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Panic push: Lujan Grisham begs donors to defend Luján seat

Leave a Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is ramping up early political messaging ahead of the 2026 election cycle, sending what critics would describe as a sky-is-falling fundraising appeal warning that Democrats could lose control of the U.S. Senate—while urging donors to immediately contribute to Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s reelection campaign.

In the email, Lujan Grisham repeatedly presses recipients for money using urgent language and rapid-fire donation links, asking, “Will you chip in $5 to help our fellow New Mexico Democrat Ben Ray Lujan defend this critical U.S. Senate seat from Donald Trump’s Republicans?”

The message leans heavily on national political fears, warning that “Donald Trump and his fellow MAGA Republicans would love nothing more than to flip this seat” and insisting that Democrats “can’t leave ANYTHING to chance.”

Lujan Grisham also invokes her own 2022 reelection victory, writing, “I defeated Trump’s hand-picked candidate with 52% of the vote. I left nothing to chance,” while using that race as a model for what she argues must happen again in 2026.

The email escalates further by tying the race to broader claims about election integrity, asserting that “Trump and his Republicans are already baselessly attacking the integrity of New Mexico’s elections,” and calling for an “overwhelming victory” to counter those efforts.

“We need an overwhelming victory to send an unmistakable message that MAGA’s policies are not welcome in the Land of Enchantment,” she wrote.

The tone and structure of the message mirror a broader trend in national Democratic fundraising—framing elections as existential battles for control of Washington while emphasizing urgency through repeated “RUSH” donation prompts ranging from $9 to $250.

While New Mexico has historically leaned Democratic in federal races, early signs suggest Republicans are working to mount a challenge in 2026.

Among them is Larry Marker, who is currently running as a write-in Republican candidate and is widely expected to gather enough signatures to qualify for the November general election ballot. If successful, Marker would provide Luján with a formal GOP challenger in what could become a more competitive race than in previous cycles.

Luján, first elected to the Senate in 2020 after serving in the U.S. House, has not yet faced a high-profile Republican opponent this cycle. However, national attention on Senate control—combined with early fundraising efforts like Lujan Grisham’s—signals that both parties are already positioning for a potentially high-stakes contest.

The governor’s direct involvement also underscores how quickly the race is becoming nationalized, with messaging focused less on local issues and more on broader partisan battles in Washington.

Lujan Grisham closed her appeal by tying Luján’s reelection directly to Senate control, writing, “The path to a Democratic Majority in the U.S. Senate starts by defending critical Senate seats like this one.”

Whether the dire tone of the email reflects genuine concern or simply panicky campaign strategy, one thing is clear: the fight for New Mexico’s U.S. Senate seat is already underway—and both sides appear ready to escalate.

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GOP state rep. drops reelection bid

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A southeastern New Mexico legislative race took an unexpected turn this week after a first-term Republican lawmaker abruptly withdrew his reelection bid—just hours before the legal deadline—potentially clearing the path for another GOP candidate to secure the seat.

According to reporting by the Albuquerque Journal, Rep. Mark Murphy, a Roswell-based oilman, formally withdrew from the House District 59 race on Tuesday, the final day candidates were allowed to remove their names from the ballot under state law. Murphy had only recently filed for reelection, submitting paperwork last month to seek a new two-year term.

Representative Mark Murphy (R-Roswell) official portrait.

Murphy was originally appointed to the seat in January 2025, filling the vacancy left by former Rep. Jared Hembree, who stepped down due to health concerns.

His sudden exit now leaves Stephen Dodson, a Roswell small business owner and former foster parent, as the only Republican candidate currently in the race for the GOP-leaning district. While independent or third-party candidates could still enter the contest later this summer, Murphy’s withdrawal significantly reshapes the immediate outlook of the race.

The timing of the move has drawn broader attention, as similar last-minute withdrawals have sparked debate in political circles nationwide. Critics argue that exiting a race just before the deadline can limit opportunities for challengers to organize campaigns, effectively giving an advantage to remaining candidates. The Journal noted that recent examples include U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, who withdrew reelection paperwork shortly before a filing cutoff, as well as U.S. Rep. Chuy García of Illinois, who made a comparable move last year.

Murphy’s decision also adds to a growing list of incumbents stepping away from the New Mexico House this cycle. He is now one of six sitting representatives who will not seek reelection. The others include Reps. Susan Herrera of Embudo, Martin Zamora of Clovis, Matthew McQueen of Galisteo, Jimmy Mason of Artesia, and Joanne Ferrary of Las Cruces.

Several of those lawmakers are pursuing other opportunities. Zamora has launched a congressional bid against incumbent U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, while McQueen is competing for the Democratic nomination in the state land commissioner race. The remaining departing legislators are not currently seeking other elected offices.

Murphy’s withdrawal comes amid a broader wave of political shifts in New Mexico, including recent ballot challenges affecting other candidates. As previously reported, Rep. Rebecca Dow of Truth or Consequences was recently removed from the ballot by a state judge over issues related to nominating petition procedures, though she has indicated plans to appeal the ruling to the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Murphy himself has previously explored higher office. He considered entering the race for governor last year but ultimately declined to pursue the Republican nomination.

In the Legislature, Murphy currently serves on both the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee and the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Beyond his legislative role, he has also been an active political donor, contributing to Republican candidates and committees in recent years. Notably, the Journal reported that he drew attention in 2012 for supporting former Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Tim Jennings over a Republican challenger.

Murphy did not respond to requests for comment regarding his decision to withdraw.

With the filing deadline now passed, attention turns to whether any additional candidates will enter the race—and how Murphy’s late exit may influence the balance of the contest heading into November.

Dow booted from ballot after challenge from failed Dem rival

GOP state rep. drops reelection bid Read More »

A new law school near the border could reshape NM’s justice system

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University of Texas at El Paso is moving forward with plans to establish a law school—an effort that could have major ripple effects across the border in southern New Mexico, where a severe shortage of attorneys is already straining the justice system.

The university recently announced a $5 million contribution from El Paso-based firm Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro, P.C., adding to a separate $5 million challenge grant from the Paul L. Foster Family Foundation. That brings total funding for the proposed law school to $10 million so far.

UTEP officials say they will now seek approval from the University of Texas System Board of Regents and the Texas Legislature, with a potential formal request expected during the 2027 legislative session.

While the project is based in El Paso, its impact could be felt immediately in southern New Mexico—where access to legal education and practicing attorneys remains deeply limited.

A “Legal Desert” Crisis in New Mexico

New Mexico’s attorney shortage is not just anecdotal—it is well-documented. A 2025 report by KOAT-TV found that the state ranks fourth in the nation for so-called “legal deserts,” areas with little to no access to attorneys.

According to the report, four counties—Catron, De Baca, Harding, and Hidalgo—have zero active lawyers. Even more striking, only about 15 percent of New Mexico’s 5,153 licensed attorneys practice outside of Albuquerque and Las Cruces, while nearly 80 percent are concentrated in the Albuquerque metro area alone.

The consequences are significant. Many New Mexicans facing serious legal issues—from eviction to child custody disputes—are forced to represent themselves in court. New Mexico Supreme Court Justice C. Shannon Bacon noted that more than 88 percent of family court litigants in the state go without legal representation, often leading to devastating outcomes.

Why the Shortage Exists

At the core of the issue is a structural pipeline problem.

New Mexico has only one law school: the University of New Mexico School of Law. For students in southern New Mexico, that typically means relocating to Albuquerque or leaving the state entirely.

The nearest out-of-state option is often Texas Tech University School of Law—still hundreds of miles away.

This geographic barrier disproportionately affects students in rural and border communities, particularly those who are first-generation college students or who rely on staying close to family support systems. Many simply never pursue law school at all.

At the same time, older attorneys in rural New Mexico are retiring faster than they can be replaced, and fewer young lawyers are choosing to practice in small communities. The result is a widening gap between urban and rural access to justice.

Why UTEP Could Change the Equation

A law school at UTEP would provide a dramatically closer option for southern New Mexico residents—within commuting distance for many.

That proximity could lower financial and logistical barriers, allowing more students from the region to enter the legal profession without uprooting their lives. Just as importantly, law graduates trained in the region are more likely to stay and practice locally, helping to fill critical shortages in district attorney offices, public defender agencies, private practice, and even the judiciary.

New Mexico has already attempted to address the issue through initiatives like its Rural Justice Initiative, which offers financial incentives for attorneys to work in underserved areas. But as officials have acknowledged, long-term solutions require expanding the pipeline of new lawyers—not just redistributing the existing ones.

A Regional Turning Point

If approved, UTEP’s proposed law school could represent a rare and meaningful shift in that pipeline.

For southern New Mexico—where entire counties lack a single practicing attorney—the development could begin to reverse years of decline in legal access.

State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), Piñon Post‘s publisher, wrote on Facebook following the news, “This is exciting news for our region! Having more graduates of law schools in the region (including New Mexico), will help create a better judicial system and create more qualified candidates for the positions (DA’s, district court judges, public defenders, private defense attorneys, etc.) we need to fill to make that a reality.”

What happens next will depend on approvals from Texas officials, but the early momentum suggests this is more than just a concept.

For a state grappling with a growing justice gap, the expansion of legal education just across the border may prove to be one of the most consequential developments in years.

A new law school near the border could reshape NM’s justice system Read More »

Dow booted from ballot after challenge from failed Dem rival

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A New Mexico judge has removed Republican state Rep. Rebecca Dow, the House Republicans’ caucus chair, from the June primary ballot following a legal challenge filed by her former Democrat opponent—an outcome critics say highlights growing concerns about partisan tactics being used to reshape the state’s political landscape.

The ruling stems from a complaint brought by Democrat former state Rep. Tara Jaramillo, whom Dow defeated in a closely watched 2024 race. Jaramillo was involved with an alleged predatory loan scheme, as the Piñon Post previously exclusively reported, that voters apparently did not appreciate. 

Jaramillo argued that Dow’s candidate paperwork did not meet technical requirements under state law, including the submission of screenshots of nominating petitions instead of official forms and a truncated listing of the office sought.

“I thought, ‘Well, everybody knows what she’s running for,’” Jaramillo told Source New Mexico. “When I looked deeper into it, I noticed she submitted screenshots rather than the petitions themselves.”

In an amended order, Third Judicial District Judge Manuel Arrieta agreed with the failed Democrat’s challenge, ruling that Dow’s nominating petitions failed to comply with statutory requirements. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the court determined the submissions did not “enable or allow a voter to review and challenge the nominating petitions,” leading to their disqualification.

While the decision centers on technical filing issues, Dow and her supporters say the broader implications go far beyond paperwork.

“Recently, a district court decision removed my name from the ballot,” Dow said in a public statement. “I want you to hear directly from me: this was not about whether I earned your support.”

Dow emphasized that her campaign gathered the required signatures and followed the process in good faith, arguing the dispute is rooted in a technicality being weaponized to remove a sitting lawmaker from the ballot.

“We gathered the required signatures. We followed the process to qualify. Instead, this decision came down to a dispute over paperwork — a technical issue that has now resulted in our district having no candidate on the ballot,” she said. “That should concern every one of us.”

Dow is now appealing the decision to the New Mexico Supreme Court, calling the ruling “unprecedented” and warning that it undermines voters’ ability to choose their representatives.

“I have always believed that elections should be decided by the people, not by technicalities,” Dow added. “Our system is strongest when it protects access, encourages participation, and respects the will of the voters.”

The timing and context of the challenge have raised additional questions, particularly given Jaramillo’s direct political history with Dow and the broader stakes in the Legislature. Democrats are currently just one seat away from a supermajority in the New Mexico House, a threshold that would give them expanded power over legislation, veto overrides, and policy direction.

Critics argue that removing a Republican incumbent over what they describe as minor or technical discrepancies risks becoming a precedent that could be selectively applied, effectively narrowing the field of candidates through legal maneuvering rather than voter choice.

At the same time, the case highlights the strict requirements candidates must meet under New Mexico election law. As reported by the Albuquerque Journal, while the judge acknowledged Dow’s declaration of candidacy was only “technically flawed,” the issues with the nominating petitions were deemed significant enough to warrant disqualification.

Dow had been unopposed in the Republican primary and was expected to advance to the general election with relative ease. If her appeal fails, state law may prevent her from running as a write-in candidate, potentially leaving Republican voters in House District 38 without representation on the ballot, unless Dow decides to create her own party and appear on the ballot that way. 

As the case moves to the state Supreme Court, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences—not only for Dow’s political future, but for how election laws are interpreted and enforced in a state where control of the Legislature remains closely contested.

Dow booted from ballot after challenge from failed Dem rival Read More »

NM pro-life coalition forms in response to MLG’s abortion mega-center

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As construction begins on a taxpayer-funded abortion facility in southern New Mexico, pro-life organizations across the state are mobilizing in what they describe as a historic show of unity.

A newly formed coalition of pro-life leaders announced plans to gather on April 10 in Albuquerque, bringing together organizations from across New Mexico in response to the state’s expansion of abortion services, including a $10 million facility currently under development in Las Cruces.

Organizers say the project represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to abortion policy. The facility is expected not only to provide abortion services but also to serve as a training center for abortion providers, with the stated goal of expanding access nationwide.

The development comes as New Mexico has emerged as one of the most permissive states in the country for abortion following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. According to organizers, the number of abortions performed in the state has more than tripled since 2020, with a majority now involving out-of-state patients.

The new coalition, supported by the Knights of Columbus, aims to unify efforts among various pro-life groups that have historically operated independently. Leaders say the April 10 event is intended to mark a turning point in how those organizations coordinate and advocate moving forward.

“There are moments in history when silence is not an option — and this is one of them,” said Anthony Salazar, State Deputy of the New Mexico State Council of the Knights of Columbus. “What is being built in Las Cruces is a moral crisis, and on April 10 we stand as one.”

The gathering is also drawing national attention due to the involvement of Iowa-based pro-life strategist Chuck Hurley, who will deliver the keynote address. Hurley played a key role in building a coalition of organizations in Iowa that proponents say led to significant legislative changes, including restrictions on abortion and other policy shifts.

“For over twenty-six years, we saw no fruit at the Iowa Capitol on life issues—none,” Hurley said. “But once our leaders took this particular action to stand together, the victories started coming almost immediately.”

Supporters of the New Mexico coalition say they are looking to replicate that model, emphasizing coordination and shared strategy as a way to influence policy in a state where pro-life efforts have faced significant legislative challenges.

Mark Cavaliere of Life Leadership Conference, a national organization supporting the effort, said the New Mexico initiative could serve as a model for other states.

“What happened in Iowa proves that when pro-life leaders stop working in isolation and make a public commitment to stand together, the results can be historic,” Cavaliere said.

The coalition’s formation comes as pro-abortion Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signaled continued support for expanding abortion access, including a request for an additional $10 million to fund a second facility in northern New Mexico.

Organizers say the April 10 event will be livestreamed, with the goal of reaching supporters across the state and beyond via ProLifeNM.com.

As both sides continue to mobilize, the issue is expected to remain a central point of debate in New Mexico, reflecting broader national divisions over abortion policy in the post-Dobbs era.

NM pro-life coalition forms in response to MLG’s abortion mega-center Read More »

Vasquez jumps state lines to attack ICE facility outside NM

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U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is facing renewed scrutiny after traveling outside his district to attack a federal immigration detention facility in El Paso—a move critics say underscores his consistently open-borders posture and ongoing efforts to undermine immigration enforcement across the region.

Vasquez conducted what he described as a “Congressional Oversight” visit to Camp East Montana, the largest ICE detention facility in the country, before publicly calling for its closure. Despite the facility being located in Texas, Vasquez justified the trip by stating, “This camp is in my community’s backyard, and what happens here is incredibly relevant for my constituents in New Mexico’s second district, as it is for every American in this country,” according to reporting by KVIA.com.

Following the visit, Vasquez took to social media—posting in Spanish—to condemn the facility and broader immigration enforcement practices. “This is no way to treat people,” he wrote. “What I saw today is not a way to reflect our American values.” In a video message, he added, “We cannot continue to hold folks inhumanely, separate them from their families… This is no way to treat human beings. And that’s why I’m continuing to call for the closure of Camp East Montana.”

According to KVIA, Vasquez spent roughly two hours inside the facility, touring detainee housing pods, medical areas, and the law library, where he spoke with detainees. He claimed, “The conditions that I saw inside the detention facility today, I believe, are beneath our American values,” and further alleged that detainees were “scared of speaking out” and feared “punishment from guards inside the facility.”

Vasquez also criticized federal officials for failing to provide requested data, saying, “I’m here to get answers. I got almost no answers… It is a shame that as a member of Congress with direct oversight authority, they couldn’t even give me the simple facts,” particularly regarding how many detainees had violent criminal records.

The latest remarks are consistent with Vasquez’s broader record on immigration, which includes opposition to border wall construction—previously labeling it racist—along with repeated criticism of federal immigration enforcement agencies. He has also aligned himself with efforts to shut down detention facilities in New Mexico, including those in Otero County, a move that would eliminate hundreds of local jobs tied to immigration detention operations.

That economic impact has become a growing point of contention. Facilities like the Otero County Processing Center and similar operations across the border region support rural economies that rely heavily on federal contracts. Critics argue that Vasquez’s push to dismantle detention infrastructure would not only weaken immigration enforcement but also devastate local employment in both southern New Mexico and nearby Texas communities.

His decision to publicly attack Camp East Montana—while advocating for the closure of facilities in his own state—comes as he faces a competitive reelection campaign. Republican challenger Greg Cunningham is expected to center the race on border security, public safety, and economic stability, framing Vasquez’s positions as misaligned with the priorities of voters in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.

As immigration remains a dominant issue in the region, Vasquez’s latest comments—and his broader record—are likely to remain a focal point heading into November, highlighting a stark contrast in approaches to border enforcement and federal immigration policy.

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Crossing into New Mexico defense area now bringing federal charges

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced this week that federal prosecutors filed more than 170 immigration-related criminal charges in a one-week period, highlighting the scale of ongoing enforcement along the southern border and in newly designated federal security zones in the state.

According to statistics released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the charges were filed during the one-week period ending April 3, 2026, in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Federal prosecutors reported that 70 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation under federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1326), a felony offense that applies to individuals who return to the United States after previously being deported. Another 18 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. § 1325), which is typically a misdemeanor offense.

In addition, 3 individuals were charged with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. § 1324), a more serious charge often associated with organized border smuggling operations.

A significant number of the cases — 82 individuals — were charged with Illegal Entry, violation of a military security regulation, and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property. Federal officials say these charges stem from individuals entering areas now designated as part of a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico, where additional federal restrictions and penalties apply.

Federal prosecutors noted that many of the individuals charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation had prior criminal convictions, including narcotics trafficking, domestic violence, unlawful possession of firearms, alien smuggling, receipt of stolen property, and prior immigration offenses.

The cases are part of a broader federal initiative known as Operation Take Back America, which the Department of Justice describes as a nationwide effort to use federal resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and reduce violent crime tied to cross-border activity.

“These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only,” the office said in its announcement, noting that the numbers do not include individuals who were apprehended by immigration authorities but processed through administrative immigration proceedings rather than criminal court.

The District of New Mexico covers all 33 counties in the state and includes approximately 180 miles of international border with Mexico, making it one of the key regions for federal immigration enforcement activity. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces work with law enforcement agencies across the region to prosecute immigration-related offenses and other federal crimes.

Federal officials said that under current leadership, public safety and border security remain top priorities, and that increased enforcement efforts have resulted in the prosecution of individuals involved in unlawful activity, including human trafficking, sexual assault, and crimes involving violence against children.

The weekly enforcement statistics provide a snapshot of how federal immigration enforcement is increasingly being handled through the criminal court system in New Mexico, particularly in areas near the border and in federally controlled security zones, where penalties can be significantly more severe than standard illegal entry charges.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that it will continue working with federal, state, and local partners across New Mexico as part of ongoing border enforcement operations.

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Vasquez says he stands with TSA agents after voting against paying them

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U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is now publicly expressing support for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents who have faced delayed paychecks during the recent federal funding fight — despite criticism that he previously voted against funding measures for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA.

In a recent social media post and video filmed at the Albuquerque Sunport, Vasquez said he met with TSA agents and described their frustration over the ongoing funding uncertainty.

“To say that they are frustrated is an understatement,” Vasquez said in the video. “They’ve been used as political pawns over the last month, not receiving paychecks. They finally received a paycheck this week, but future paychecks are uncertain.”

Vasquez blamed Republican leadership in the U.S. House for the situation, saying a bipartisan deal had been reached in the Senate but was not taken up by House leadership.

“There was a deal in the Senate, a bipartisan bill that passed unanimously with all Republicans and Democrats supporting it to reopen TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard,” Vasquez said. “Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson sent us back home with no deal. And so that uncertainty for their next paycheck still exists.”

He also said he is supporting the “Shutdown Fairness Act,” which would guarantee back pay for federal employees affected by government shutdowns.

“I’m going to continue to work to make sure that these folks are paid,” Vasquez said. “That’s why I’ve co-sponsored the Shutdown Fairness Act to make sure that our TSA agents and other federal employees are not used as political pawns in this very broken Congress.”

However, Vasquez is now facing criticism from Republicans who say his voting record contradicts his public statements supporting TSA workers.

In a statement, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) accused Vasquez of voting against funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which funds TSA, Border Patrol, ICE, and other federal law enforcement agencies.

“Gabe Vasquez voted to defund law enforcement and block pay for TSA officers,” NRCC spokesman Reilly Richardson said in a statement. “Instead of supporting funding for DHS, including ICE, Border Patrol, and TSA, Vasquez sided with the far-left and voted against the very people who keep Americans safe.”

Richardson added, “It’s a stunning display of misplaced priorities, and voters will hold Vasquez accountable.”

The funding fight comes amid broader budget battles in Washington, D.C., where disagreements over federal spending and border security have repeatedly threatened funding for federal agencies, including those under the Department of Homeland Security.

TSA agents are considered essential federal employees and are required to work even during government shutdowns, though pay can be delayed until funding is restored.

Vasquez, who represents New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, has increasingly focused on federal workers and border issues as he prepares for what is expected to be a competitive reelection race.

In his video message, Vasquez emphasized that regardless of politics, TSA agents continue to show up to work.

“More than anything, I want to thank those TSA agents who have shown up for work every single day despite the difficulties they have faced over the last several months,” he said.

The debate over federal funding, DHS, and border security is expected to remain a major issue in Congress heading into the next funding deadline, meaning the question of pay and funding for agencies like TSA may continue to be part of the political fight in Washington.

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Toulouse Oliver goes ballistic over Trump election security order

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New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver issued a sharply worded statement this week attacking President Donald Trump’s new executive order aimed at tightening election security, joining a growing list of Democrat officials nationwide threatening lawsuits over the move.

The executive order, signed this week, seeks to create a nationwide system to verify voter eligibility and tighten rules surrounding mail-in voting — an issue Congress has debated for years but failed to fully address at the federal level.

Within minutes of the order being signed, Democrat officials across the country began threatening legal action. According to Fox News, California Gov. Gavin Newsom immediately responded, “We’re challenging it… See you in court,” while election officials in Arizona, Oregon, Maine and Nevada also signaled they would sue to block the order.

Trump acknowledged the legal fight was coming but signed the order anyway, saying election integrity concerns needed to be addressed. “The cheating on mail-in voting is legendary,” Trump said after signing the order. “I think this will help a lot with elections,” Fox News reported.

The order directs federal agencies to work together to compile lists of eligible voters and includes measures such as ballot tracking barcodes and restrictions on sending absentee ballots to individuals not on verified voter rolls.

But Toulouse Oliver responded with a lengthy statement via X accusing the president of attempting to undermine elections and disenfranchise voters.

“The executive order signed by the President yesterday is yet another unconstitutional attempt to make it harder for eligible voters to cast a ballot and dangerously undermines the confidence in our elections,” Toulouse Oliver said in the statement.

She also claimed the order “threatens to disenfranchise tens of thousands of eligible New Mexicans” and said her office would work with the New Mexico Department of Justice to review the order and “certainly will challenge it.”

Her statement also argued that election administration is a state responsibility and criticized the idea of a federal voter verification system.

However, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly prohibit the federal government from setting national election standards, and Congress has historically passed numerous federal election laws, including the Help America Vote Act and the National Voter Registration Act.

The executive order comes as Republicans in Congress have pushed for the SAVE Act, a federal law that would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, but the legislation has stalled in the Senate.

Trump’s order appears to be an attempt to move forward on election integrity measures while Congress remains deadlocked.

The issue is likely to be decided in court, as multiple Democrat-led states have already pledged legal action. Fox News reported that election lawyers aligned with Democrats called the order “a massive and unconstitutional voter suppression effort,” while Trump has argued the order is necessary to ensure elections are “clean and fair.”

Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat, is currently running in the party’s primary for lieutenant governor in New Mexico, adding a political dimension to her response as election policy once again becomes a major national issue heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

With lawsuits expected and the federal government moving forward, the fight over who controls election rules in America — states, Congress, or the executive branch — now appears headed for another major court battle.

Toulouse Oliver goes ballistic over Trump election security order Read More »

Torrez takes Otero County ICE fight to Supreme Court

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The New Mexico Department of Justice has launched a new legal effort to block Otero County from continuing its partnership with federal immigration authorities, escalating a growing legal and political fight over immigrant detention in the state.

According to reporting by the Santa Fe New Mexican, which broke the story, the Department of Justice filed a petition with the New Mexico Supreme Court asking the justices to stop a newly signed contract between Otero County and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The five-year agreement was signed last month, just days before the county’s previous contract with ICE was set to expire.

The legal battle centers around the state’s new Immigrant Safety Act, an unconstitutional law scheduled to take effect May 20 that will prohibit local governments in New Mexico from entering into or renewing contracts with ICE for immigration detention.

Otero County operates one of three immigration detention facilities in New Mexico and housed roughly 900 detainees as of last month. County officials have argued they had no choice but to extend the ICE contract because the county still owes tens of millions of dollars in bonds used to build the Otero County Processing Center.

The Department of Justice, however, argues the contract extension is unlawful on multiple grounds. In its filing, the agency claims local governments do not have the legal authority to enter into agreements with ICE and that Otero County failed to obtain required approval from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration before signing the agreement.

“The rule of law requires that all public bodies follow clearly established legal requirements, without exception,” Attorney General Raúl Torrez said in a statement quoted by the Santa Fe New Mexican. “Otero County did not obtain the approval state law requires, and the agreement is invalid. We are asking the Court to act swiftly to prevent its enforcement.”

This is not the first time the state has challenged Otero County’s actions. The Department of Justice previously objected to a March 13 Otero County Commission meeting where the contract extension was approved, arguing the meeting violated state transparency laws because it was held with only a few hours’ notice to the public. The county later held another meeting in an attempt to address the issue.

Otero County Attorney R.B. Nichols has disputed the state’s claims, arguing the county was not required to obtain approval from the Department of Finance and Administration. He has also warned that failing to extend the ICE contract could put the county at risk of defaulting on millions of dollars in outstanding bonds tied to the detention facility.

State officials also argue the timing of the contract suggests the county was attempting to get around the new law before it takes effect. The Immigrant Safety Act requires existing agreements to be terminated at the earliest possible date after May 20, but Otero County’s new contract reportedly prevents the county from withdrawing from the agreement for any reason during the five-year term.

“By rushing to lock in a long-term detention contract on the eve of that law taking effect, Otero County acted in direct defiance of public policy set by the New Mexico Legislature,” the Department of Justice said in a statement, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

The situation in Otero County differs from two other immigration detention facilities in New Mexico located in Torrance and Cibola counties. In those counties, ICE contracts directly with private prison operator CoreCivic, which owns the land where the facilities are located. Because the contracts are with a private company rather than a local government, the state may have limited authority to intervene.

The legal fight now appears headed to the New Mexico Supreme Court, where justices will be asked to decide whether Otero County’s contract with ICE can move forward — a decision that could have major implications for immigration detention in New Mexico.

The case is ongoing.

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