New Mexico lawmakers call for impeachment of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Two lawmakers are saying Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham violated her oath of office, and they want to remove her from office.

“It’s kind of a lengthy process it’s kind of very wonky, but it is unprecedented. Unfortunately, this is what we’ve had to come to,” said state Rep. John Block. 

Block is talking about the process of impeachment, which he says is now on the table after Lujan Grisham’s latest public health order. 

“Right now we’re getting the impeachment articles drafted. Those are currently in the drafting stage. But, essentially, it’s going to be talking about her abuse of power by unilaterally usurping all authority from the Constitution, and violating her oath of office,” said Block. 

Block says he and Republican Rep. Stefani Lord – of Bernalillo and Torrance counties –  are working together on articles of impeachment against the governor. 

“I was horrified at her absolute overreach on our Second Amendment. Basically, she put her right hand up and said ‘Oh, just kidding, I’m not going to obey my oath.’ And now we’re in the situation where people are extremely frustrated,” said Lord. 

They say they’ve seen backlash to the governor’s decision from both sides of the aisle. 

“You see, Democrats, you see Republicans, you see independents saying ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, this is a total power grab. And it’s an infringement on our constitutional rights,'” said Block. 

In a tweet Monday, Democrat state Sen. Joe Cervantes of Doña Ana County called on the governor to rescind her order, calling it unconstitutional. 

Having passed key gun safety laws working with her administration, I call on the Governor to rescind her order outlawing arms. An unconstitutional approach undermines the important collaboration gun issues deserve, and the important role of a Governor to lead genuine reforms.

— Sen. Joe Cervantes (@SenJoeCervantes) September 11, 2023

KOB 4 reached out to the Democratic Party of New Mexico for comment on the order and possible impeachment articles, and the party declined to comment. 

On Monday afternoon, it became clear how unprecedented impeaching a New Mexico governor is. During a legislative council meeting, Republican state Rep. Greg Nibert asked how the process works. 

“What I can provide to you is the procedures that were used for the three impeachment proceedings that were initiated since 2005, 2011 and 2015 I believe. Three different situations, different circumstances. There is nothing in statute or the Constitution or rule that provides specific guidelines on how that happens. The Constitution just simply says ‘It is the sole responsibility of the House,'” said Director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service Raúl Burciaga. 

He added the Legislature must be in session for impeachment to move forward, and says legislators themselves will have to call an extraordinary session for that to happen, since the next regular session is in January.

“We don’t want to come to this point with impeachment. But unfortunately, what other remedies do we have?” said Block.  

KOB 4 reached out to the governor’s office for comment on the possible impeachment. We also asked about calls for a special session, but we have not yet heard back. 

Block says he expects the articles of impeachment to be completed this week.