The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) has announced findings from a recent CWS Research poll indicating that most New Mexico voters support stronger measures to address crime. This announcement was made in a press release on February 13, 2025.

According to the NMBC, the poll found that a significant majority of New Mexicans are in favor of increasing penalties for fentanyl and other dangerous drug dealers, with 93% supporting such measures. The consensus spans various demographics, including unanimous support among respondents aged 18-24 and Latino respondents. Efforts to address crime have faced challenges; the governor's call for a special session earlier this summer resulted in no action. In the current legislative session, two crime-related bills have been tabled by Democrats.

The poll also revealed strong support for holding repeat offenders charged with violent crimes without bail until trial, with 94% of respondents agreeing. This view is shared across political affiliations: 97% of Republicans, 90% of Independents, and 95% of Democrats are in favor. The survey was conducted from January 31 to February 6, 2025, involving 541 randomly selected registered voters in New Mexico. It has a margin of error of ±4.213% and a confidence level of 95%.

"Two important bills that matter most to New Mexicans were tabled on a straight party-line vote," said NMBC President and CEO Carla Sonntag. "HB 107 Penalty for Drug Trafficking & Death targets stiffer penalties for drug dealers, and HB 136 Fentanyl Exposure as Child Abuse would add fentanyl to the list of child abuse issues. Children are being born addicted to fentanyl or being harmed because the substance is in their homes. It is incumbent upon lawmakers to protect our most vulnerable."

The NMBC is an organization advocating for business owners' interests with government officials, providing voter education on issues and policies, and aiming to unite New Mexicans through resources and calls to action.