President Donald Trump's proposal to rename New Mexico “New America” faces a constitutional hurdle: changing the state's name would require approval from both its Legislature and voters.
Article I of New Mexico's constitution names the state New Mexico. Under Article XIX, an amendment would need votes from a majority of all members elected to each chamber of the state Legislature.
Trump argued that the proposed name would raise home values and incomes and give the state greater prestige. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham opposed the change, saying New Mexico's name “isn't up for debate.”
Trump has issued separate federal orders concerning the names of the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario, directing the use of “Gulf of America” and “Lake America.” Those orders do not change the name written into New Mexico's constitution.
If lawmakers approved a name-change amendment, voters would consider it at the next regular election after the Legislature adjourns or at a special election held at least six months after adjournment. It would take a majority of those voting on the amendment to approve it.
