Carla Sonntag, president and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), said that recent poll results indicate New Mexicans are frustrated with rising crime and demand legislative action. This statement was made in a press release on February 23.
"They don't want any more excuses from legislators; they want solutions," said Sonntag. "Many legislators are completely out of touch with what New Mexicans want and need. I hope they will take the time to review this poll and take the appropriate action."
According to a recent poll by CWS, conducted from January 31 to February 6, 2025, which surveyed 541 randomly selected New Mexico registered voters through online surveys delivered via SMS messages, 48% of respondents believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, while 31% think it’s on the right track. Key concerns include crime, with 94% supporting holding repeat violent offenders without bail, and economic policy, as 70% favor repealing the state income tax. Issues like immigration and education remain divisive, with 51% believing illegal immigration is harming the state and 64% supporting school choice.
Another CWS poll on crime in New Mexico revealed that 92% of voters support tougher penalties for retail theft and vandalism, and 93% favor increasing penalties for fentanyl and drug dealers. Additionally, 90% believe the state should strengthen efforts to prevent drugs, gangs, and human trafficking from entering New Mexico. The findings highlight a strong public demand for stricter enforcement and tougher consequences to address crime across the state.
In 2024, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's tough-on-crime bills failed after Democratic leaders blocked them from a vote. They cited the need for more time to address mental health, drug use, and crime. The bills proposed expanding involuntary commitment, restricting loitering, and increasing penalties for felons with firearms. Now, Lujan Grisham is pushing a single omnibus crime bill for 2025 along with additional funding for behavioral health.
Sonntag advocates for business interests in New Mexico. During the COVID-19 shutdowns, she pushed for a reopening plan and drafted legislation to curb rising unemployment insurance costs.
