‘A smooth transition’: Lujan Grisham, Haaland discuss transfer of power

SANTA FE, N.M. — A “smooth transition of power.” That’s what Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Governor-elect Deb Haaland promised Friday as they met to discuss what the next few months will look like as New Mexico switches administrations.

The two were joined by Lt. Gov. Howie Morales (D-NM) and Lt. Gov.-elect Stephanie Garcia Richard in the Governor’s Office in the Roundhouse Friday morning.

“It’s lovely for me to get to say congratulations to someone I know, and of course I like, and I respect and admire,” Lujan Grisham said.

“I don’t know why I’m feeling emotional right now,” Haaland said.

“Because this is going to be the best thing in America!” Lujan Grisham responded.

Three days after going from Democratic nominee to governor-elect, Haaland said she and Garcia Richard are ready to begin preparing for the next four years.

“The only real promise I made to New Mexicans is that I will work as hard as I possibly can to ensure that we are lifting New Mexicans up,” Haaland said.

“It is now up to these four individuals here to ensure that we are continuing to serve the voters and to serve their needs and their wishes,” Garcia Richard said.

All four mentioned this isn’t the first time they’ve met. In fact, Morales mentioned he an Garcia Richard went to the same high school.

“I believe that we have demonstrated across the country how you can have the impact of both offices working as one across the state. It’s not always like that across the country. governors’ offices and lieutenant governors’ offices may not always work together. In New Mexico, I believe that we’ve been able to establish that, and that’s going to continue,” Morales said.

Haaland promises to continue MLG’s work

Haaland praised Lujan Grisham’s accomplishments as governor, specifically highlighting universal child care.

“I intend to protect and expand Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s legacy of universal child care and early childhood education,” Haaland said. “She has also done a phenomenal job on lifting so many New Mexicans out of poverty, children out of poverty. Those are all things that we know will remain important.”

Lujan Grisham added she hopes the next administration can continue addressing challenges exposed by recent floods and severe weather across the state.

“There are additional executive powers that need to be shored up, including emergency powers,” Lujan Grisham said. “I mean we’re right now looking at solving as many of the problems in San Juan County as we can.”

Everyday New Mexicans be part of Haaland’s future administration

Before that work can happen, Haaland needs to build out her administration. That includes filling key positions like a new secretary for the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department.

Friday, she said any New Mexican is welcome to apply for a position in her administration through her website.

“There’s a place for you to upload your resume, a place for you to say what department you would like to work in or what your strengths are, there’s a place for you to put a cover letter in there,” Haaland said. “We just wanted to make sure there was a place for anyone who thought about serving our state.”

Haaland chooses chief of staff

At least one key position has already been filled. Friday, Haaland announced that Sarita Nair, the current secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, will serve as her chief of staff. 

Nair previously served as the City of Albuquerque’s chief administrative officer from December 2017 to April 2022.

“I’m excited. I’m nervous,” Nair said. “I think everybody should be appropriately ready for a really big job ahead, but it is an honor and a privilege.”

Haaland and Garcia Richard will be sworn in Jan. 1. The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 19.

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