Cowboys for Trump leader appeals recall bid to New Mexico Supreme Court
SANTA FE, New Mexico — Cowboys for Trump founder Couy Griffin has filed an appeal with the New Mexico Supreme Court as he seeks to fend off an effort to recall him from office as an Otero County Commissioner.
Griffin filed a notice of appeal this week with the high court that contends he was deprived of due process rights and raises other jurisdictional objections.
A state district court judge this month found good cause for a recall petition, but Griffin says the hearing took place unjustly at the same time as an Otero County commission meeting where he was being pressured to resign.
Retired military veteran Paul Sanchez and other members of the Committee to Recall Couy Griffin are accusing Griffin of using his elected county position for personal gain. They say Griffin used his office to solicit contributions to Cowboys for Trump that covered his personal expenses.
Griffin has called those allegations frivolous, baseless and politically motivated.
Cowboys for Trump has held horseback-riding parades across the country in support of President Donald Trump. Griffin says the group is a for-profit endeavor that is not subject to financial disclosure requirement for political organizations.
It was unclear how soon the state Supreme Court will decide whether to intervene.
Separately, Griffin is defending himself against criminal charges in connection with the siege on the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Griffin was videotaped on the steps of the Capitol but not inside. He denies allegations that he knowingly entered barricaded areas with the intent to disrupt government as Congress considered Electoral College results.
If allowed, a recall petition against Griffin with a sufficient number of signatures could trigger a special election within months. Otherwise, Griffin is up for possible re-election in 2022 for a second, four-year term.
