New Mexico Gov fires back at state GOP for fundraising over firearm ban

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) shot back at the state GOP after it sent fundraising notices related to her attempt to curb gun violence by banning firearms in the state’s capital.

“I’m still waiting on a thank-you note from the New Mexico GOP,” she said Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Way to use my call to action around gun violence as a fundraiser instead of using it as an opportunity for immediate action to save New Mexican lives.”

Lujan Grisham announced a public health order last week to ban the open and concealed carry of firearms in Albuquerque, citing rising rates of gun violence in the city.

The move brought her significant backlash from Democrats and Republicans, who say the order violates the Second Amendment. Local law enforcement has pledged not to enforce the order.

A firearms advocacy group filed suit against the state earlier this week. The state Republican Party said Tuesday it will file its own suit, attaching fundraising messages to the announcement.

The public health order was blocked by a federal judge Wednesday pending a further decision on its legality. Lujan Grisham said she plans to continue to push for the measure.

“I refuse to be resigned to the status quo, and I will never stop fighting to prevent other families from enduring these tragedies,” she said Wednesday.