Carla Sonntag, President and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), said that state legislators are failing to address the crime crisis, citing a lack of prioritized public safety measures. This statement was made in a press release on February 23.
"People are tired of the out-of-control crime in this state and living in fear," said Sonntag. "There is still plenty of time to address New Mexico's needs and stop pushing personal agendas that don't match reality. I hope they will take the time to review this poll and take the appropriate action."
According to a CWS poll on crime in New Mexico, 92% of voters support stricter penalties for retail theft and vandalism, while 93% favor harsher consequences for fentanyl and deadly drug dealers. Additionally, 90% believe the state should enhance efforts to combat drugs, gangs, and human trafficking. The results indicate strong public support for tougher enforcement and accountability measures to address crime statewide.
Another CWS poll conducted from January 31 to February 6, 2025, surveyed 541 randomly selected New Mexico registered voters through online SMS-based surveys. The survey ensured a demographically representative sample. The results showed that 48% believe the state is on the wrong track, while only 31% think it's moving in the right direction. Crime and economic policy emerged as major concerns, with 94% supporting detention without bail for repeat violent offenders and 70% favoring the repeal of the state income tax. Meanwhile, immigration and education remain divisive issues; 51% view illegal immigration as harmful to the state, and 64% support school choice.
The World Population Review reports that New Mexico has the third-highest crime rate in the United States, with crime rates remaining above the national average across all categories. However, both property and violent crime rates have been steadily decreasing each year. Violent crime dropped to 778.28 incidents per 100,000 residents; yet the state still ranks third-highest in the nation for violent crime.
Sonntag has been president and CEO of NMBC since its founding in 2009 and is an advocate for New Mexico businesses. During the COVID-19 shutdowns, she worked to establish a reopening plan and drafted legislation aimed at preventing increases in unemployment insurance costs, according to ABQ Connect.
