New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently made headlines by issuing an emergency order to suspend the right to carry firearms in public within Albuquerque and the surrounding county for a minimum of 30 days.

This decision was prompted by a surge in gun violence, including the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy outside a minor league baseball stadium. While the Democratic governor anticipates legal challenges, she believes that this action is necessary to address the recent shootings.

Lujan Grisham’s order, classified as an emergency public health measure, encompasses both open and concealed carry in most public areas, such as city sidewalks and urban recreational parks. State police are tasked with enforcing these restrictions, although Albuquerque’s police chief, Harold Medina, has stated that his department will not enforce the order. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen has expressed concerns about potential constitutional rights violations.

Who is Michelle Lujan Grisham?

Michelle Lynn Lujan Grisham, born on October 24, 1959, is an American lawyer and politician. She has been serving as the 32nd governor of New Mexico since 2019, representing the Democratic Party. Lujan Grisham’s political career has seen her hold various significant positions, contributing to her deep-rooted connection to New Mexico.

Her journey into politics began with roles such as the state secretary of health from 2004 to 2007 and Bernalillo County commissioner from 2010 to 2012. However, it was her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 that catapulted her onto the national stage. She went on to chair the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was reelected in 2014 and 2016.

Lujan Grisham’s path took another turn when she assumed the governorship of New Mexico in 2019. Her victory in the 2018 gubernatorial election marked a significant milestone in her political career. She was reelected for a second term in 2022, showcasing her popularity among New Mexico voters.

During her tenure as governor, Lujan Grisham has championed various initiatives, including making public universities in New Mexico tuition-free for state residents, addressing climate change, and advocating for the legalization of recreational marijuana. However, her recent decision to suspend firearms rights in response to rising gun violence has stirred both support and opposition, reflecting the complexities of her leadership.

Lujan Grisham’s political positions also cover key issues such as abortion rights, environmental sustainability, support for Israel, and minimum wage policies. Her personal life, including her marriages and a lawsuit alleging sexual battery, has occasionally attracted media attention.