| Albuquerque, April 19—This afternoon the Republican Party of New Mexico scored a powerful legal victory in its redistricting maps lawsuit against Gov. Lujan Grisham, Democratic Leadership and the Secretary of State’s Office. RPNM had filed the lawsuit in the Fifth Judicial District Court in January, claiming that the newly approved Congressional redistricting maps were illegal and constituted partisan gerrymandering by Democrats. RPNM charged the new maps deliberately diluted Republican voting strength. Today District Judge Fred Van Soelen denied the defendants’ request to dismiss the case, saying RPNM can continue its litigation and claims under the state Constitution. Judge Van Soelen ruled that RPNM has a valid claim under the law, ruling: “(The) Plaintiffs complaint makes a strong, well-developed case that Senate Bill 1 is a partisan gerrymander created in an attempt to dilute Republican votes in Congressional races in New Mexico. They make a strong, well-developed case that Senate Bill 1 does not follow traditional districting principles, including a lack of compactness, lack of preservation of communities of interest, and failure to take into consideration political and geographic boundaries.” While the Court ruled there is not enough time to redraw maps or interfere with the 2022 Primary and General Elections, the ruling allows RPNM to continue to move through the courts to change the Congressional maps so that they will provide equal protection under the law and fair and just representation. “We are pleased with the Court’s ruling and that the Court understands that we have important and legitimate claims under the Constitution,” said RPNM Chairman Steve Pearce. “These Congressional maps were ramrodded through the Democrat-led legislature for political gain. This is not a political issue but a fairness issue—we want to ensure that all the voices of New Mexicans are protected and represented by these maps, regardless of their political beliefs. The Court recognizes that we have strong evidence to support our claim of blatant illegal gerrymandering that rips apart communities of interest and disenfranchises voters across the state. RPNM will always stand for fairness, the rule of law, and the core principles of our democracy.” |
| The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662. |
