New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has garnered national attention for his vigorous campaign to enhance online safety for children. His efforts, particularly aimed at holding social media companies like Meta accountable for the protection of minors, were recently highlighted in a feature by Time magazine. The publication characterized Torrez as an “unlikely antagonist for Big Tech,” noting his unique position far removed from the dominant tech hubs of Silicon Valley.
The article describes his modest office environment in New Mexico, emphasizing that Torrez, despite a brief experience at a startup in his 20s, has no deep ties to the technology sector. Nevertheless, he is determinedly confronting what he perceives as the detrimental effects social media platforms have on young users. According to the report, Torrez views the current online landscape as fraught with risks for children, prompting his call for greater accountability from tech giants.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also made headlines this week by promoting fundraising efforts for Maine Governor Janet Mills, who is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate. In a video shared through her campaign’s social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lujan Grisham encourages supporters to contribute $5 to Mills’ campaign. She described Mills as a “good friend” and praised her accomplishments as a governor, stating, “She’s delivered real results for the people of that state.”
In addition to her campaign support, Lujan Grisham is preparing for the upcoming Western Governors’ Association winter meeting scheduled for November 20-21, 2023, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. She will join four other governors, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who chairs the association, and Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who serves as vice chair. The agenda for the meeting will cover critical topics such as the energy demands of data centers, the future of the Farm Bill, and the next stages of broadband expansion.
The meeting will feature keynote addresses from notable guests, providing an opportunity for collaboration among governors from the western United States. This gathering follows Lujan Grisham’s recent participation in a trade summit in New Mexico with officials from Japan, showcasing her commitment to fostering international relationships.
In a lighter moment, Krysty Ronchetti, co-host of the No Doubt About It podcast, jokingly suggested that she and her husband, former Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Ronchetti, should start a consultancy firm to support Democratic candidates. She referenced spending by Democratic gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman on consultants, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about campaign financing within the political landscape.
Through these varied initiatives, Raúl Torrez and Michelle Lujan Grisham exemplify the active role state leaders are taking in addressing significant issues, from online safety for children to political fundraising and intergovernmental collaboration.
