SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Secretary of State revealed on Tuesday that she has been subjected to threatening and harassing remarks on social media following her confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the national election. This statement aimed to counteract the spread of conspiracy theories surrounding the election results.
During a briefing before a legislative committee regarding the election’s administration and the process of certifying the vote, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver highlighted a notable increase in same-day voter registrations. She expressed her intent to reach out to law enforcement due to the threats she has been facing.
“I am currently experiencing threats and harassment online, even from some individuals on this committee,” stated Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat who has faced similar hostility previously. “I’m grateful that there is legislation that offers me protection against such conduct.” In 2023, a state law was enacted, categorizing the intimidation of state or local election officials as a fourth-degree felony.
Following the committee meeting, Toulouse Oliver mentioned that she sought to address rising conspiracy theories by posting on X, a social media platform, declaring Trump as the outright winner. She acknowledged that some states were still in the process of counting votes and that voter turnout was lower this election cycle. In retaliation, she reported being accused of treason and was informed that she was “in the crosshairs.”
Toulouse Oliver decided to restrict public access to her X account — which she used for both official and personal interactions — and indicated her intention to compile information for a report to the state police and attorney general. However, an official account associated with her office remains publicly accessible.
Additionally, Toulouse Oliver criticized Republican state Representative John Block from Alamogordo, suggesting that he has encouraged hostility and provoked some of the negative remarks circulating online, although she did not provide specific examples. Responding to her claims, Block stated that he too has experienced online harassment, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable in the legislative environment. He expressed his regret over Toulouse Oliver receiving violent threats during the committee proceedings.
During the legislative session, Toulouse Oliver communicated her plans to advocate for enhanced security measures for state and local election officials. This would include keeping their home addresses confidential on official government websites. A law passed in 2023 provides such confidentiality protections for elected and appointed public officials.
In the broader election context, Trump was defeated in New Mexico by Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris. Democratic candidates successfully secured reelection to the state’s three congressional seats and a Senate seat; however, Republicans did manage to gain a few positions in legislative races but continue to hold minority status in both the state House and Senate. Notably, over 52,000 individuals utilized same-day registration to cast their votes in New Mexico.