Republican Party of New Mexico

‘Die Elon’: Terrorist busted–FBI nabs Dem behind attacks on Tesla, GOP HQ

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Federal authorities have charged 40-year-old Jamison Wagner of Albuquerque with two counts of arson tied to politically charged firebombing attacks on both a Tesla showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico headquarters, labeling the incidents as acts of domestic terrorism.

Wagner, a self-styled radical, was arrested on April 12 following an extensive federal investigation involving the FBI, ATF, Albuquerque Police, and other law enforcement agencies. 

According to a profile he has on “500 Queer Scientists,” he describes himself as “queer and I am an electrical engineer.” It has been independently verified through voter registration records that Wagner is a registered Democrat.

“I have a B.S. in electrical engineering, and am starting my Masters in EE this summer. My track specialty is electromagnetics/plasma physics and I’m currently working as an intern for a national lab doing PCB design for x-ray imaging,” he wrote. 

He shared via Facebook in November of 2024 the same graphic that state Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) shared comparing police officers to the KKK. In a post from December 31, 2020, he called for their complete abolition. Other posts from Wagner include support for the anti-police Black Lives Matter organization, posts calling law enforcers “bas****s,” and content praising homicidal communist leader Karl Marx. 

In other posts, Wagner shared content reading, “The Republican Party is the party of white supremacist fascism. That’s all it stands for,” in an ironic take, as his actions appear to be those of fascists bringing down the opposition instead of engaging in the republican democratic process.

In other posts, Wagner described himself as “bisexual” and, in others “non-binary.” 

He has shared violent content before, including a graphic reading, “Guillotine 2020,” alluding to assassination.

Officials linked Wagner to the February 9 firebombing of the Tesla showroom in Bernalillo and the March 30 arson attack on the RPNM headquarters in Albuquerque, both carried out using homemade incendiary devices.

According to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, Wagner used improvised “napalm” devices packed in glass jars to ignite fires at both sites, leaving behind spray-painted anti-Tesla and anti-ICE messages including “DIE ELON,” “TESLA NAZI INC,” and “ICE = KKK”​. The graffiti and incendiary devices bore similar markings — hand-written letters “I” or “H” — linking the two incidents. Wagner’s tactics, the DOJ alleges, mirror those of left-wing extremists who target ideological opponents with violence.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi minced no words: “Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence. We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

Deputy AG Todd Blanche called the attacks “dangerous felonies” that should not be mistaken for protest. “Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” he said. “We are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”

FBI Director Kash Patel was even more direct, stating that Wagner’s arrest is “part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country.” He added, “Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism.”

The evidence against Wagner is damning. Agents recovered from his home eight fully assembled incendiary devices, red and black spray paint, stencils matching those used at the crime scenes, and clothing seen in surveillance footage. Wagner’s white 2015 Hyundai Accent was also caught on video fleeing the scene of the RPNM attack. The license plate had been tampered with, and the plate lights were taped over — deliberate attempts to evade detection​.

Wagner’s criminal complaint further details his connection to the scenes through forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and even physical traits, including his 6’4” height and balding head — both noted by investigators from videos of the Tesla fire​.

“This arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the firebombing that targeted a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters,” said ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada. “This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice.”

If convicted, Wagner faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

Federal officials are treating the case not just as arson but as a politically motivated terrorist act — a designation that sends a clear message: violence against political or corporate targets will not be tolerated in a civilized society.

Wagner remains in custody pending a detention hearing. The investigation is ongoing.

To read the criminal complaint from the U.S. Department of Justice, please click here.

This is a developing story…

‘Die Elon’: Terrorist busted–FBI nabs Dem behind attacks on Tesla, GOP HQ Read More »

Dems now victim-blaming NM Republicans after firebombing hate crime

25 Comments / Editorial, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a show of complete shamelessness, New Mexico Democrats are blaming the victims — the New Mexico Republican Party and GOP officials — for being the target of a violent arson attack that blew up the entranceway to the Albuquerque headquarters. Rather than condemning the political violence outright, Democrats are inflaming tensions and inciting further hostility by recklessly targeting GOP leaders like Reps. John Block (R-Alamogordo), Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), and Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela. Their dangerous and provably false rhetoric not only undermines the gravity of the violence but also puts these officials at direct risk.

While the FBI and ATF investigate the fire as a suspected arson — with fire-starting materials recovered from the scene — Democrat leaders have chosen to escalate, not de-escalate. State Democrats issued a press release loaded with inflammatory claims, including the absurd accusation that Republican lawmakers had been part of a crowd “calling for murder.” Not only is this untrue, it’s libelous, as pointed out by Rep. Lord. 

Rep. John Block — who is the editor and founder of the Piñon Post —was not even present at the event in question, and despite repeated attempts by Democrats to link him to the January 6 Capitol incursion, he never set foot inside or near the building nor participated in any violence. His presence at a peaceful rally attended by 53,000+ other peaceful Trump supporters — miles from the Capitol steps — appears to be another tired and debunked attempt to tie him to violence.

Chairwoman Amy Barela made clear during a Monday press conference: “This was not just an attack on our building. This was an attack on our values, our free speech, and the right of every New Mexican that wants to participate in the democratic process without fear.” She also revealed to Fox News that the targeted attack was being investigated as a hate crime.

But instead of standing with those under threat, Democrats doubled down. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, whose words to “legislate, litigate, agitate” were cited by Republicans as dangerously timed mere hours before the firebombing, dismissed concerns with shocking callousness. 

In comments to KOB 4, she accused Republicans of hypocrisy for condemning violence instead of apologizing for her call to “agitate,” claiming, “It’s ludicrous to have Republicans, who themselves have participated in violent protests, to accuse me of inciting violence.” She added, “We actually passed the sign of peace” at her town hall — an empty gesture in light of the inflammatory language she used just before the GOP headquarters went up in flames.

Leger Fernandez’s attempt to turn the blame onto Rep. Block — lying that he was involved in violent protests — further inflames the situation and spreads outright disinformation. These reckless allegations endanger GOP leaders by portraying them as instigators of violence when, in reality, they have consistently and unequivocally condemned it, including the January 6 unrest.

Instead of answering the call to stand above the violence they have inflamed, Democrats released a memorandum weaponizing the tragedy to smear GOP leaders with fabricated associations to extremism, referencing long-debunked connections and even citing the crimes of individuals wholly unrelated to the party’s current leadership. The memo accuses Chairwoman Barela of turning a blind eye to extremism simply because she has appeared in photos with GOP figures like Voice of America chief Kari Lake and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene — a clear attempt at guilt by association rather than substantive critique.

Rep. Stefani Lord called the Democratic Party’s allegations “libelous,” and Sen. Nicole Tobiassen said their claims are “desperate.”

In the face of a violent attack, New Mexico Republicans have called for unity, calm, and a return to civility. Democrats, however, have responded with personal attacks, misinformation, and what amounts to political gaslighting — accusing their opponents of the very behaviors they themselves are fueling.

Rather than take responsibility for inflaming tensions, Rep. Leger Fernandez and her allies are engaging in dangerous victim-blaming — further endangering those already under attack. If Democrats genuinely oppose political violence, they should begin by ceasing the kind of reckless rhetoric that invites it.

Dems now victim-blaming NM Republicans after firebombing hate crime Read More »

Arsonists firebomb New Mexico GOP’s Albuquerque headquarters

48 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early Sunday morning, a shocking act of arson targeted the Republican Party of New Mexico’s (RPNM) headquarters in Albuquerque, leaving the building’s entryway destroyed and defaced with hateful graffiti reading “ICE=KKK.” This brazen and deliberate attack, driven by hatred and intolerance, is a direct assault on our values, freedoms, and the fundamental right to political expression.

“This horrific act is not just an attack on the Republican Party—it’s an attack on democracy and the principles that underpin our nation,” said RPNM Chairwoman Amy Barela. “We are deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly incident. Those who resort to violence to undermine our state and nation must be held accountable, and our state leaders must take decisive action to ensure these cowardly attacks are met with zero tolerance.”

This attack is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing and deeply troubling pattern of politically motivated violence that has spread across the nation. As Barela pointed out, such incidents have been fueled, in part, by the silence and implicit encouragement from progressive leaders who refuse to condemn these acts.

“Their failure to stand against political violence has created an environment where attacks like this are not only possible but increasingly frequent,” said Barela. “The lack of accountability and the unwillingness of many to denounce such behavior only emboldens those who wish to silence dissent and intimidate political opponents.”

RPNM is working closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), local law enforcement, and federal investigators to ensure that every piece of evidence is collected and those responsible for this attack are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “We will not allow New Mexico’s broken criminal justice system to dilute the seriousness of this attack,” Barela emphasized. “Justice must be served, and these criminals must be held accountable.”

The Republican Party of New Mexico remains resolute in its mission to protect free speech and defend the rights of all New Mexicans. Barela stressed that the party will not be intimidated or silenced by acts of political violence. “We will emerge from this stronger, more united, and more determined to fight for the people of New Mexico and the future of our country,” she declared.

Barela also pointed out the historical irony of the attack, drawing parallels between the Democratic Party’s historical support of oppressive institutions like the Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow laws, and slavery and the modern-day tactics used to suppress free speech and intimidate political opposition. “Today, we see the same dangerous tendencies play out in new forms—attempts to suppress free speech, silence dissent, and use fear to control the political narrative,” she said.

“Our fight is not just for our party—it’s for every New Mexican who wants a safer, freer, and more accountable state,” said Barela. “We will never back down.”

Just yesterday, Democrat U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez told attendees at a town hall to be “agitators,” and that call apparently has had a response from the most violent agitators seeking to cause fear through apparent domestic terrorism.

Arsonists firebomb New Mexico GOP’s Albuquerque headquarters Read More »

NM Republicans choose new state chair

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, New Mexico Republican State Central Committee members met in Truth or Consequences to choose new party officers, including a new state chair. 

Current Chairman Steve Pearce, a former congressman, chose not to run for another term in the position, leaving the spot open to a new face following his exit.

Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela, a former chairwoman of the Otero County Republican Party and the current NM GOP first vice-chairwoman, won the vote to become the next Republican Party of New Mexico chief.

The new first vice-chair is Hessel Yntema, the second vice-chair is Mike Nelson, and the current secretary, Kathleen Apodaca, ran unopposed, as did Kim Skaggs for party treasurer.

In the state’s First Congressional District, former New Mexico House of Representatives candidate Joshua Neal ran unopposed for the position of CD-1 chair; in the Second District, Julianne Stroup won for CD-2 chair, and in the Third District, Public Education Commissioner Sharon Clahchischilliage, a former state representative, won that seat.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Republicans made up ground for President-elect Donald Trump, whose vote margin against Kamala Harris rose five points from 2020 when he ran against Joe Biden. 

With the shift in momentum toward the Republican Party in the state, Barela and the new party officials will have the job of recruiting volunteers, registering voters, and helping the GOP finally win back key seats in Congress, on the state-wide level and majorities in the state Legislature, where Democrats dominate 44-26 in the House and 26-16 in the Senate following the November elections.

NM Republicans choose new state chair Read More »

What you risk when you stand by your vote

3 Comments / Opinion / By

Those who pay attention to the Republican National Committee know a fight for control of the organization occurred in the months leading up to the winter meeting in 2023. 

Leadership at the RNC is voted on every two years, and typically, the Chair is chosen by a sitting Republican president or the Republican nominee for President.

On December 19, 2022, Turning Point, USA, sent an email to all 168 members of the RNC. Charlie Kirk, the organization’s executive director, issued a threat. In essence, members who did not vote for his choice of chair would face a primary challenge under the pretense that the “grassroots were unhappy.”

From the email – “I am launching the Mount Vernon Project. This is a special project of Turning Point Action funded graciously by donors who are vocally disenchanted with the 168, which will seek to recruit leaders to serve on the RNC and at the state level who wish to better represent the grassroots voice.”

On the day my vote was cast, I was stopped by Charlie Kirk in the lobby of the convention hotel. He was asking members who they were voting for. Afraid to have a target on their back, many were known to say they were supporting his choice, even though they weren’t. I didn’t lie, I told him who I was supporting and why. Clearly not the answer he wanted to hear.

Once the votes were calculated, Kirk’s candidate had lost two to one to the sitting chair.

In addition to Kirk’s threat, RNC members were also doxxed by a group supporting his candidate, then the candidate herself, as she shared all of our contact information on X, formerly Twitter, not once, but three times in one day.

I am running for National Committeewoman again, not to represent the interests of any national organization but to represent New Mexico Republicans. No one outside my state recruited me.

I currently have 17 New Mexico endorsements and 10 from sitting legislators, and my list continues to grow. I have worked hard for the last 16 years to build relationships within my party and work with elected officials and volunteers to move our party forward. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished.

 The Quadrennial convention, where convention delegates will decide my race, takes place on April 27th. I humbly ask for your support for a second term on the Republican National Committee. Please read my Bio for more information. 

Tina Dziuk is an economic developer and the National Committeewoman for the Republican Party of New Mexico. She can be reached at tdziuk@aol.com.

Opinions expressed by Piñon Post contributors do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the publication or its editorial staff. Submit an op-ed to the Piñon Post at news@pinonpost.com.

What you risk when you stand by your vote Read More »

Court proceedings begin in NM’s legal fight over governor’s emergency powers

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, the New Mexico Supreme Court was the stage for a major legal showdown, as it heard oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM), joined by GOP state legislators, the National Rifle Association (NRA), former law enforcement officers, and private citizens. 

The lawsuit targets far-left anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Secretary of the Department of Health Patrick M. Allen, accusing them of using public health orders to infringe upon New Mexicans’ Second Amendment rights via executive order.

Attorney Jessica Hernandez, representing the plaintiffs, challenged the governor’s emergency orders. She argued that these orders overstepped the bounds of emergency statutes, representing an invalid exercise of emergency power. Hernandez emphasized the concern of a single individual bypassing the legislature, having the authority to declare an emergency based on subjective and unspecified criteria, thereby making significant public policy and funding decisions.

Hernandez also pointed out that the public health order from the NM Health Secretary does not constitute an imminent threat. She argued that relying on data spanning over a decade does not establish an emergency but rather a chronic issue.

During the hearing, Justice Briana H. Zamora inquired about the limits of the governor’s power to declare public health emergencies. Holly Agajanian, the governor’s chief general counsel, admitted uncertainty, stating, “I don’t know.” This admission underscores the fear that such emergency powers could lead to future rights violations.

Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon reflected on the plaintiffs’ viewpoint, suggesting the potential for almost anything to be labeled a public health emergency from the governor’s perspective, although she failed to let Hernandez answer questions without consistently interrupting.

The justices posed several hypothetical scenarios, including one where the governor might declare an emergency to suspend driving rights due to DUIs, drawing parallels to the initial emergency order that suspended open and concealed carry of firearms. Agajanian differentiated, noting that the amended order no longer bans concealed and open carry.

The current public health order prohibits firearms in parks and playgrounds. However, Justice Michael E. Vigil observed that the emergency declarations lacked statistical evidence of gun violence issues in these areas.

Justice Zamora noted that many programs within the public health order could have been implemented without an emergency declaration, but the declaration facilitated funding. She expressed concerns about potential overreach through emergency orders, questioning the implications of granting unilateral power over fund allocation.

The lawsuit and the court’s eventual decision are poised to have significant implications for the balance of power in New Mexico and the interpretation of emergency powers in relation to constitutional rights.

WATCH: 

Court proceedings begin in NM’s legal fight over governor’s emergency powers Read More »

Dems obstruct gerrymandering case with new court filing

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat state legislators are obstructing justice by asserting their right to legislative privilege in the escalating legal conflict surrounding New Mexico’s gerrymandered congressional map. As tensions mount, several legislative leaders have made it clear this week that they won’t participate in the depositions scheduled by the Republican Party of New Mexico and other plaintiffs who oppose the redistricting efforts. The lawmakers have also submitted motions to invalidate the GOP’s subpoenas, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

The crux of their argument hinges on a specific clause within the state Constitution. This clause stipulates that legislators “shall not be questioned in any other place for any speech or debate or for any votes cast” in either legislative chamber. The Democrats’ assertion of this legislative privilege underscores their belief that they are shielded from external inquiries regarding their legislative actions and statements.

On the other hand, the plaintiffs contend that their requests for information are within the parameters of standard practice in gerrymandering lawsuits. They have also indicated a willingness to narrow the scope of their information requests. This conflict over depositions coincides with District Judge Fred Van Soelen’s looming deadline of October 1, as ordered by the Supreme Court, to settle the case. A trial is scheduled from September 27 to 29 in Lovington.

The legal dispute revolves around allegations made by the Republican Party of New Mexico and other parties, including Democrat Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings, who claim that Democrat lawmakers and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham unlawfully diluted the voting power of Republicans in the newly redrawn congressional districts following the 2020 census. 

The core of the matter is illustrated through an extensive 80-page legal submission by attorneys supporting the maps. They claim that the GOP and other plaintiffs are demanding deposition and record submissions that could “transform this case into an unconstitutional circus that cannot be completed” by the October 1 deadline. The legislative privilege is portrayed as an unassailable foundation of the separation of powers, protecting the legislative branch from external encroachment by the judiciary or executive branches.

The Democrats also attempted to boot Democrat Mayor Jennings from the lawsuit, claiming he does not have standing despite his community being chopped up in multiple pieces and cracking the voting power of the people in Roswell.

Republicans’ legal representatives counter that legislative privilege can be counterbalanced with other constitutional rights. They argue that courts have occasionally overridden privilege claims in cases involving partisan gerrymandering, citing the potential deprivation of citizens’ equal participation in the political process due to redistricting.

The litigation has led the state’s Republican Party and other plaintiffs to assemble an extensive list of potential witnesses among Democrat lawmakers and political insiders. These individuals could be called upon to provide testimony under oath during depositions or at the trial. However, key legislative figures, including Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), who co-sponsored the gerrymandering legislation, have formally informed the court that they will not participate in the scheduled depositions. This decision stems from their assertion of legislative privilege and other legal defenses.

The opportunity to question Democrat legislators under oath holds significant weight in the case. Opponents of the map, primarily Republicans, are striving to demonstrate that Democrat lawmakers crafted the gerrymandered plan with the intention of consolidating their party’s grip on power. Ultimately, the judge will likely assess whether a nonpartisan rationale exists behind the map’s formation.

Top Dems attempt to boot Dem mayor from gerrymandering lawsuit

Dems obstruct gerrymandering case with new court filing Read More »

NM Supreme Court to hear case against Dems’ gerrymandered maps in January

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On January 9, 2023, the New Mexico Supreme Court will hear arguments in the suit brought by the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) against the Democrats’ congressional maps, according to reports. The map drawing came after the 2020 Census required by law that reapportionment of district boundaries happen based on population.

RPNM is suing after Democrats rammed through extreme partisan gerrymandered maps last December that shifted the congressional map extremely in their favor. In the Second Congressional District, represented by GOP Rep. Yvette Herrell, the gerrymandering swung the seat from favoring Republicans by 14 points to now favoring Democrats by four points, according to FiveThirtyEight. That made Democrat Gabe Vasquez narrowly win the seat in the November 8 election.

The lawsuit claims Democrats illegally designed the new map to damage the reelection chances of the only Republican in the state’s congressional delegation, which now has proven to be an accurate assertion following the November 8 General Election.

The “drafters intentionally ‘cracked’ Republicans in southeastern New Mexico, thereby substantially diluting their votes,” the lawsuit alleges, adding that Democrats intentionally split communities of interest for political gain.

The Democrat-drawn map, which was originally made by the dark money George Soros-funded group the “Center for Civic Policy” (CCP), achieved the partisan gerrymander by plunging the Democrat-dominated South Valley of Albuquerque into the Second District while putting more conservative areas such as Hobbs and Roswell in the First and Third Congressional Districts.

In April, District Judge Fred Van Soelen of Clovis ruled it was too late to hear the case due to the approaching June 7, 2022, primary election. That has sent it to the state Supreme Court, which has taken the case. All five members of New Mexico’s fully Democrat Supreme Court either have been supported by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who signed the maps into law, or were appointed by the governor. 

Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Roswell’s Democrat Mayor Tim Jennings, State Sen. David Gallegos (R-Eunice), and a group of Republican voters. 

Leftist groups caught offering $50 bribes for testimony backing partisan redistricting maps

NM Supreme Court to hear case against Dems’ gerrymandered maps in January Read More »

Results are in for NM GOP’s state officer election

31 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, members of the New Mexico Republican Party’s State Central Committee (SCC) met in Las Cruces to vote on state leadership positions in the GOP.

Running for his third term as party chairman, former Congressman Steve Pearce of New Mexico’s Second District won the race, taking 213 votes (55.2 percent) to Bernalillo County GOP officer Sarah Jane Allen’s 80 votes (20.7 percent). Attorney Robert A. Aragon garnered 51 votes (13.2 percent), Eddy Aragon had 40 votes (10.4 percent), and Rodney Tahe got two votes (0.5 percent).

Following the chairmanship results, newly reelected Chairman Pearce wrote in a press release, “This was a spirited campaign, and I thank the grassroots Republican leaders from across New Mexico for trusting me to lead for another term as RPNM chairman. An overwhelming number of these leaders agree that our data-driven approach to identifying and turning out conservative leaning voters is working, proven by the fact that Republican candidates are getting closer and closer to defeating the Democrats in competitive races.”

“Turning New Mexico red is a marathon, not a sprint, and as we look toward 2024, I am excited about helping our future Republican nominees be successful in their campaigns.”

For the first vice-chairman spot, members selected newly elected Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela with 291 votes to Torrance County GOP Chairman Richard Lopez’s 100 votes.

SCC members selected Leticia Munoz Kaminski for the second vice-chair position, with 305 votes to Santa Fe County Republican Party chairman Robert “Bob” Graham’s 87 votes.

Maricela “Mari” Trujillo-Spinelli won the secretary spot, with 288 votes to former Doña Ana County Commissioner Isabella Solis’ 78 votes.

Members picked Kim James Kvamme for party treasurer with 257 votes to Leonard-David Chavez’s 106 votes.

For each congressional district’s vice-chairmanships, SCC members selected Donelle Inventor for the First Congressional District with 74 votes to Eric Lucero’s 25 votes. In the Second District, state Rep. Rebecca Dow ran unopposed with 107 votes, and in the Third District, Drew Degner clenched the spot with 120 votes versus Anita Statman’s 37 votes and Paul Morrison garnering no votes.

Regarding the other officers’ election results, Pearce wrote, “I am so pleased that Republicans chose this outstanding team of young and diverse leaders who represent the future of our party.”

Results are in for NM GOP’s state officer election Read More »

NM Republicans score legal win in Dem gerrymandering case

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, the New Mexico Republican Party (RPNM) announced it had scored a legal win in the Fifth Judicial District Court over Democrats in a battle to overturn Democrats’ gerrymandered congressional maps. 

Judge Fred Van Soelen denied the defendants’ request to dismiss the case, saying RPNM can “continue its litigation and claims under the state Constitution,” according to a press release.

“(The) Plaintiffs complaint makes a strong, well-developed case that Senate Bill 1 is a partisan gerrymander created in an attempt to dilute Republican votes in Congressional races in New Mexico. They make a strong, well-developed case that Senate Bill 1 does not follow traditional districting principles, including a lack of compactness, lack of preservation of communities of interest, and failure to take into consideration political and geographic boundaries,” ruled Van Soelen.

RPNM’s news release noted, “While the Court ruled there is not enough time to redraw maps or interfere with the 2022 Primary and General Elections, the ruling allows RPNM to continue to move through the courts to change the Congressional maps so that they will provide equal protection under the law and fair and just representation.”

“We are pleased with the Court’s ruling and that the Court understands that we have important and legitimate claims under the Constitution,” said RPNM Chairman Steve Pearce. 

“These Congressional maps were ramrodded through the Democrat-led legislature for political gain. This is not a political issue but a fairness issue—we want to ensure that all the voices of New Mexicans are protected and represented by these maps, regardless of their political beliefs. The Court recognizes that we have strong evidence to support our claim of blatant illegal gerrymandering that rips apart communities of interest and disenfranchises voters across the state. RPNM will always stand for fairness, the rule of law, and the core principles of our democracy.”

Previously, the Legislature forewent reasonably drawn maps to adopt radically gerrymandered maps drawn by the George Soros-funded dark money group Center for Civic Policy (CCP). These maps were rammed through the Legislature with little to no debate from the public in a closed-door gerrymandering session where only those who wore masks and were jabbed were allowed entrance.

NM Republicans score legal win in Dem gerrymandering case Read More »

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