New Mexico Governor's Gun Control Order Receives Widespread Criticism

Screenshot of order and photo of Governor Grisham via Governor’s Office; Graphic by The Amarillo Pioneer

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) is facing backlash from Republicans, Libertarians, and even some gun control supporters following an order released earlier this week suspending the right to carry firearms in public in Albuquerque.

In a statement published by the Republican Party of New Mexico, state party chair Steve Pearce called the action “outright illegal.” Pearce also stated that he expects “to see the Governor’s order challenged and defeated in court.” Mark Ronchetti, a Republican who challenged Grisham in a close election last year, characterized the move as “nothing more than political grandstanding.”

Libertarians in New Mexico, currently split between two competing state parties vying for legitimacy, have found themselves united in opposing the order. The Libertarian Party of New Mexico, which maintains ballot access but is not affiliated with the national party, published a post on Facebook calling Grisham “unfit for office” and stated they will “actively oppose the Governor’s unconstitutional order.” The Free Libertarian Party of New Mexico, which is affiliated with the national party but does not have ballot access, responded to the news on X (formerly Twitter) with a meme imploring people to stand against the order.

Grisham defended her action by pointing to recent gun violence in Albuquerque. She further claimed that the constitutional right to carry a firearm is able to be superseded “if there’s an emergency.” That claim has been harshly criticized by a number of gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association and the Firearms Policy Coalition. Even some supporters of gun control, including activist David Hogg and California Congressman Ted Lieu (D) have criticized the move as unconstitutional.