New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Gov.-elect Deb Haaland pledged a smooth transition after meeting to discuss the incoming administration’s priorities, including disaster response, cabinet appointments and work with the Legislature.
The closed-door meeting was held Friday at the Roundhouse, followed by a press conference afterward.
Haaland thanked New Mexico voters and said she plans to build on the outgoing administration’s work in child care, early childhood education, health care and housing affordability.
“I will work as hard as I possibly can to ensure that we are lifting New Mexicans up across the state,” Haaland said.
Lujan Grisham, who said she has known Haaland for years, called the meeting productive and said the governor-elect is ready to lead.
“We’ve talked about the cabinet and the Legislature and making sure that we have a seamless effort so that nothing stops,” Lujan Grisham said.
Haaland said she intends to protect and expand the outgoing governor’s child care and early childhood education initiatives. She also highlighted health care, affordable housing, higher education and the cost of living as priorities.
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales and Lt. Gov.-elect Stephanie Garcia Richard also took part in the transition meeting. Morales said he and Garcia Richard attended high school together in Silver City and discussed the role of the lieutenant governor’s office.
Garcia Richard, the state land commissioner and a former state legislator, said she wants to focus on lowering costs, improving education, making communities safer and ensuring health care works for New Mexico families.
Lujan Grisham said she and Haaland also discussed challenges in responding to natural disasters, including coordinating recovery efforts across jurisdictions in San Juan County. The governor said she would like to see the state address executive emergency powers and streamline its procurement process.
Asked what advice she would give the incoming administration, Lujan Grisham said the job brings unexpected challenges but also opportunities to connect with New Mexicans.
“This job is really hard,” she said. “You don’t know what is coming.”
Haaland said people interested in serving in her administration can submit a résumé and cover letter through her transition website.
