New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has garnered national recognition for his commitment to protecting children online, highlighted by a recent feature in Time magazine. His campaign focuses on holding social media companies, particularly Meta, accountable for the safety of minors using their platforms. The publication characterized Torrez as an “unlikely antagonist for Big Tech,” emphasizing his determination to address the negative impacts of social media on youth.
According to Time, Torrez operates from a modest office in New Mexico, far removed from the influence of Silicon Valley or Washington’s political circles. Despite having limited experience in the tech industry—aside from a brief role at a startup in his 20s—he is actively challenging what he describes as the harms inflicted by social media on children. The article draws attention to his background as a career prosecutor and his fervent advocacy for online child safety.
Political Engagement and Fundraising Efforts
In addition to Torrez’s endeavors, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently used social media to support fellow Democrat Janet Mills, who is campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat. In a video posted on her campaign account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lujan Grisham asked her followers to contribute $5 to Mills’s campaign, praising her as a “good friend” and a “remarkable governor” who has delivered significant results for Maine.
Lujan Grisham’s video, lasting 38 seconds, highlights Mills’s effectiveness and suitability for the Senate role, stating, “I know that she’s got the right stuff at the right time to deliver again for you as your next U.S. senator.”
Upcoming Meetings and Collaborative Efforts
Looking ahead, Lujan Grisham is set to participate in the Western Governors’ Association winter meeting scheduled for November 20-21, 2023, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This meeting will also feature other governors, including Spencer Cox of Utah, who chairs the association, and Josh Green of Hawaii, who serves as vice chair. Greg Gianforte of Montana and Mark Gordon of Wyoming will also be in attendance, having joined Lujan Grisham in New Mexico for a recent trade summit with Japanese officials.
The agenda for the Arizona meeting includes discussions on pressing topics such as the energy demands of data centers, the future of the Farm Bill, and the next phase of broadband expansion. The association aims to foster collaboration among Western Governors to address these vital issues.
In a lighter moment, during a podcast titled “No Doubt About It,” co-host Krysty Ronchetti humorously suggested starting a consultancy firm focused on Democratic candidates, referencing the spending habits of gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman.
As these political figures engage in various initiatives, the focus remains on the broader implications for child safety online and the role of state leadership in addressing emerging challenges in technology and governance.
