Governors Grisham, Cox Host Discussion on Civility: Amy Barela NM Rep Chair, Responds

Sitting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, explained how social polarization, performative politics and a loneliness epidemic created incentives ripe for dysfunction

The forum was focused on bipartisanship, mutual respect, and the value of healthy conflict, aiming to bridge political divides. Governor Lujan Grisham (Democrat) engaged in a conversation with Utah Governor Spencer Cox (Republican).

The forum was inspired by President Reagan's ability to work with Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, showcasing productive cooperation across ideological differences.

The event was also livestreamed on YouTube and can be seen at 

https://www.youtube.com/live/PzyVB-XYJC8?si=4-lh9mt9HxcU0kfJ

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham is chairperson of  the Western Governors Association. Before becoming Lujan Grisham’s vice chair in the Western Governors Association, Utah Governor Cox led a nationwide initiative to model healthy bipartisan dialogue as chair of the National Governors Association

Gov. cox wrote candidate Trump a personal letter when he was running for his second term, where he encouraged the then-candidate “to turn down the temperature” in order to “unify and save our country.”

While Cox and Lujan Grisham find themselves on opposite sides of most political debates — including their views on Trump; they agreed on Monday about the sources of America’s division and its solutions. They have been united on thst front for quite some time. 

At the heart of the country’s toxic politics is loneliness, Cox said.

A series of studies recently showed that one-in-five Americans report feeling lonely most of the day and that the same percentage report having no close friends.

This has led to an increase in political tribalism, Cox said, as people replace “good tribes,” like local sports clubs, with “not-so-healthy tribes," the isolation, tribalism and discourse builds, thus where are are today.

Adding to that heat in dialogue is those that capitalize on the tone or the message and feed into the tribal consciousness, many times unknowingly they feed the fevor. Both sides Democrats and Republicans in leadership do so and it compounds the issue. Those individuals simply cannot but help to expand the division sometimes by no fault of their own but through the algorithms of social media. Those algorithms feed the tribal communities by isolating messaging to mostly what the individual wants to hear further feeding the issue. 

Locally, Amy Barela, Otero county commissioner, as New Mexico State Republican chair issued a statement concerning the governor's performance at this event on civility which stated: 

"Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham joined Utah's Governor Spencer Cox in a forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. MLG described herself as a relationship seeker. She went as far as to say, "you can’t govern in the extreme." It’s doubtful that New Mexicans would describe the Governor as the poster child of civility.

In response, RPNM Chairwoman Amy Barela issued the following statement:

"While Governor Lujan Grisham’s words at the civility forum may sound aspirational, they do not reflect the political reality here in New Mexico—nor do they align with her own governing style. In today’s deeply polarized environment, true relationship building requires mutual respect and transparency—qualities that have been sorely lacking under her administration.

Governor Lujan Grisham described herself as a “relationship seeker” and claimed, “You don't have to be disagreeable, but you can be firm in your intentions as long as you leave a little bit of room to be persuaded for a different design or a different idea or strategy.” That sentiment is commendable, but unfortunately, her record in office tells a different story.

This is the same governor who has bypassed the legislative process, issued controversial executive orders without broad consultation, and repeatedly dismissed opposing voices—particularly those of Republican legislators and local leaders who represent vast portions of New Mexico. She even admits, “I don’t cater well,” which undercuts her own message about collaboration. Civility isn’t just about tone—it’s about behavior. It's about being open to others’ ideas, even when they come from across the aisle.

The Republican Party of New Mexico supports true civil discourse grounded in action, accountability, and respect. New Mexicans deserve a leader who doesn’t just talk about civility when the cameras are rolling but practices it consistently—especially when engaging with those who disagree.

Until we see that kind of leadership from Governor Lujan Grisham, her comments at the forum, while polished, ring hollow."

Governor Cox of Utah, a Republican, and Governor Lujan Grisham, Democrat,  of New Mexico have hosted a few events together on the issue of civility in the public domain of political speech

Was Mrs. Barela's statement helpful to the cause and support the ideals of civility? Is there a single area of compromise and agreement between the two parties within New Mexico? The public will ultimately decide whether civility reigns or tribalism grows. What are the thoughts of our readers and listeners, civil dialogue, public debate and civil nonaggressive and nonpersonal guest commentaries are always welcome on our platforms from a variety of viewpoints. Join the conversation...

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