New Mexico Dem Gov Candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham Could Face Potential Investigation Over Discrimination Accusation

New Mexico Democrat gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has already struggled to unite Democrats behind her candidacy in a crowded field, is facing increasingly ugly attacks from her primary opponents. Yesterday, fellow Democrat, Jeff Apodaca, called on Nancy Pelosi to launch a formal congressional ethics investigation into an accusation from a former intern, who claims she was fired by Lujan Grisham’s office due to discrimination.

In a statement, Apodaca said this allegation should be taken seriously, noting that harassment and discrimination “should not be tolerated in any workplace, much less in a U.S. congressional office.” Only last month, Lujan Grisham demanded New Mexico State Senator Michael Padilla end his campaign for lieutenant governor over accusations of sexual harassment. In this instance, Lujan Grisham argued there was “no room for excuses,” despite Padilla’s repeated denials of the claims.

Even if Lujan Grisham is still able to emerge as the nominee, the cloud of a discrimination accusation, potential charges of hypocrisy, and Democrat discontent with her candidacy will greatly weaken her chances in a general election.

The Albuquerque Journal reports:

“Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca has called for a congressional ethics investigation into whether U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, one of his opponents in next year’s primary election, discriminated against a former transgender intern.

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However, Apodaca said the allegation should be taken seriously, and called on top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi to launch a formal probe into Lujan Grisham’s actions.

‘Harassment and discrimination are totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated in any workplace, much less in a U.S. congressional office,’ Apodaca, an Albuquerque media executive, said in a statement.

‘When victims come forward, they must be heard and supported,’ he added. ‘When elected officials discredit victims of harassment or discrimination, they are using their power to re-victimize the individual.’

Riley Del Rey, the former intern, recently went public with claims she was discriminated against and was fired from her Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute internship two years ago.