Lujan Grisham travels to D.C. for knee replacement surgery

Jan. 4—Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has been dealing with a years-old knee injury, including on the campaign trail, traveled Tuesday to Washington, D.C., where she will undergo knee replacement surgery.

The right knee replacement will be performed by an orthopedic surgeon who has treated Lujan Grisham in the past, according to the Governor's Office.

The surgery comes days after Lujan Grisham was sworn into a second term and less than two weeks before the start of the 60-day legislative session, which begins Jan. 17.

Nora Meyers Sackett, a spokeswoman for the governor, said Lujan Grisham will work remotely while she's recuperating from the surgery. The governor is scheduled to return to New Mexico next week.

Lujan Grisham waited until after the Nov. 8 midterm election to get the procedure. She often wore a brace on her right knee during the campaign. At a pro-abortion rights rally in Las Cruces, Lujan Grisham was recorded dancing on one leg.

Lt. Gov. Howie Morales will serve as acting governor while Lujan Grisham is out of the state.

Follow Daniel J. Chacón on Twitter @danieljchacon.