OTERO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – Former Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin is one of more than a thousand people being pardoned by President Donald Trump for their role in the January Sixth capitol riot. KRQE News 13 sat down with Griffin to see if he'd accept it and what it could mean for his political future. Story continues below Business: Quantum computing company to open new development hub in New Mexico Community: 8 NM eateries, chefs and bars make James Beard Awards semifinalists list National: NM Department of Justice challenging order ending birthright citizenship "We're not going anywhere. We're not going to take no for an answer," said then Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin in a video posted to social media while on Capitol grounds in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021. Photos show Griffin climbing to get to the capitol. He was federally convicted of misdemeanor trespassing. His disorderly conduct charge was dismissed. Griffin still maintains his innocence. "As God as my witness, I didn't know that area was restricted on January 6th, I never saw any signs, I was never told that area was restricted," said Griffin. It's part of the reason why he said accepting one of President Trump's sweeping pardons of Capitol rioters "does not sit well with him." While it would fully exonerate him, he said pardons are political. "An appeal should be apolitical, you know. Politics should not be a part of it. Unfortunately, a pardon is political. I was really hoping to find justice in the courtroom," said Griffin. "If I felt like it was for sure that I could get a fair shake in the courts I would continue with the appeals process, that's what I'd rather do. But, you know, if it boils down to accepting the pardon I will." He said he has to give his final decision to his attorney on Wednesday. But, his political battles wouldn't end there. "I still have a bone to pick right here in New Mexico," he said. In September 2022, after a civil lawsuit by some residents, a Santa Fe judge removed Griffin from his position and barred him from running for office. The judge said while Griffin was not violent, he contributed to delaying the certification of the 2020 election by trespassing on Capitol grounds. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed his replacement to the commission. Griffin called the entire case "a disgrace." "I'm going to have to continue to pursue that...and I hope that by the time I'm done, I can get that ruling reversed," said Griffin. A reversal would open the door to him running for office again in New Mexico. "I've had my belly full of politics but I pray to be humbled to the call if that is the call, If I was to run again, and you know, what the future holds God only knows," said Griffin. When he was convicted, Griffin was sentenced to 14 days in prison but given credit for the 20 days he was in jail immediately after his arrest. Griffin also told KRQE News 13 that the group he founded, Cowboys For Trump, is still up and running and still supports President Trump "if not more today than we ever have."