Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday issued the following statement upon the death of Manuel Lujan:

“Manuel Lujan was the picture of a statesman. In a lifetime of public service, over the course of ten Congressional terms and four years as secretary of the Interior, he fought for his constituents, striving for balance between competing interests, never forgetting that New Mexicans’ collective best interest must come first. Over the years, it was frequently assumed Manuel was my uncle. He wasn’t, but he always treated me like his favorite niece. He was a gentleman; he was generous; he was a thoughtful public servant. I will miss him, and I know New Mexico will long cherish his memory.”

Gov. Lujan Grisham has ordered all state flags to half-staff from sundown on April 26 through sundown on April 30 in honor of the late congressman.