In her final State of the State address Tuesday, Michelle Lujan Grisham laid out an expansive agenda for the 30-day legislative session, pitching it as a call for bipartisanship while reviving some of the most divisive proposals of her two terms — including a renewed push to restrict firearms in a state already grappling with violent crime.
Lujan Grisham, serving the final year of her second term, urged lawmakers to “go big” during what she said is not a “victory lap,” but a final opportunity to cement her legacy. “We’re not slowing down — we’re pushing forward,” she told a packed House chamber.
While the governor’s speech drew applause across party lines on certain issues, her call for an assault weapons ban and expanded “gun dealer accountability” legislation once again exposed deep divisions at the Roundhouse.
Republicans argued the proposal targets law-abiding New Mexicans while doing little to stop violent offenders. “In the middle of a crime crisis, taking away families’ right to defend themselves is dangerous and wrong,” said Rep. John Block, adding that House Republicans will not support policies that “punish responsible gun owners instead of holding violent criminals accountable.”
Even as Democrats applauded the gun control portion of the speech, GOP lawmakers emphasized that the governor’s own remarks underscored a central contradiction: New Mexico’s public safety crisis is driven by repeat violent offenders, not lawful firearm ownership.
Where consensus did emerge was on crime — particularly violent crime and serious juvenile offenses. Lujan Grisham called for tougher penalties for felons in possession of firearms, stricter pre-trial detention for violent suspects, and reforms aimed at severe juvenile crime.
“Dangerous, violent crimes and the persons who commit them must be held accountable without hesitation and without exception,” the governor said. “Until everyone is safe… we’re just not done.”
That emphasis was welcomed by Republicans, who have long pushed for stronger enforcement and detention tools. Senate Minority Leader William Sharer said Republicans are “on the same page” with the governor when it comes to keeping violent offenders off the streets and fixing a juvenile justice system many say has failed both victims and offenders.
Health care policy also emerged as an area of genuine overlap. Lujan Grisham called for “real, meaningful medical malpractice reform,” a line that drew loud applause from Republican lawmakers who argue New Mexico’s liability environment is driving doctors out of the state.
“We want to collaborate on real solutions,” Sharer said following the address. “Bring doctors to New Mexico, and keep the bad guys off the street.”
The governor also pushed for interstate medical licensing compacts, expansion of the University of New Mexico’s medical school, and eliminating the gross receipts tax on medical services — proposals broadly supported across party lines.
Still, Republicans cautioned that cooperation will falter if the session becomes dominated by ideological fights over firearms, climate mandates, and universal taxpayer-funded child care, which carries a projected $160 million annual price tag.
Despite repeated appeals to bipartisanship, applause patterns during the speech suggested unity will be selective. When Lujan Grisham called for an assault weapons ban, only Democrats stood. When she called for malpractice reform and tougher crime penalties, Republicans were among the first to rise.
As the 30-day session begins, lawmakers appear poised to work together where policy meets reality — particularly on violent crime and health care — while preparing for familiar battles over gun rights that could again overshadow areas of real agreement.
A speech full of empty words. MLG’s legacy has been fulfilled. its a legacy of failure, excess spending, world class failure in education and economic development, lawlessness and relentless poverty. she has failed our children and all taxpayers. Its hard to believe she has the nerve to show her face in public its so bad.
when criminals use guns to commit crimes, the democrats blame the gun. When a federal agent is forced to use a gun to protect his life dems blame the agent, the federal agency, and the president. thats democrat logic. Law abiding citizens that own guns dont use them to commit crime. yet that is exactly who the democrats come after, the law abiding citizen. they do it every time.
why do New Mexicans vote for politicians that want to take away your right to defend yourself and your family with a legal firearm ? the democrats stand and clap for this, like they stood and cheered for abortion. there are too many confused voters in NM.
does anyone have the numbers to compare how many are killed every year in MLG’s abortion clinics versus “assault” rifles in NM ? I think I know which kills more.
The second was created to prevent government tyranny, arbitrary power and usurpation of freedom. Democrats are well beyond that and clearly exhibit tyrannical behavior. Shame on the republicans for not nullifying the gun laws, and shame on us for consenting and going along. This will continue until the people act and not comply.