New Mexico Republicans demand resignation of Epstein commission chair

Republican lawmakers in New Mexico are calling for the resignation of Representative Andrea Romero from both the state legislature and her position as chair of the New Mexico Survivors' Truth Commission. The commission was established to investigate abuse related to Jeffrey Epstein at his Zorro Ranch property in Santa Fe County.

The controversy stems from allegations that Romero misused a high-profile Manhattan public relations firm, which was contracted by the commission, to issue a statement regarding her personal employment controversy following her resignation from the Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office. Republican Representatives Bill Hall and Andrea Reeb stated it was “breathtaking” that Romero claimed the commission had approved the use of the firm, calling that claim “simply false.”

Additionally, Republican leaders have raised concerns regarding the integrity of the commission’s first interim report. Senator Bill Sharer and other Republicans alleged that references to gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland flying on a Jeffrey Epstein jet were removed from the report without their knowledge or approval. The PR firm hired by the commission has reportedly resigned following the controversy.