John Block, the state representative for New Mexico District 51, said that Democratic leaders are advocating for extreme gun control policies that infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens. He shared this view in a post on X.
"DA Sam Bregman — who is himself a member of the radical left — supports disarming a majority of New Mexicans and attacking our Second Amendment," said Block, House Representative. "Both Democrat candidates for governor are the farthest-left imaginable. They are dying to snatch our guns."
In early 2025, New Mexico lawmakers debated several gun control proposals, including a controversial assault weapons ban and an expansion of red flag laws. This followed a deadly shooting in Las Cruces. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham had previously issued a temporary gun ban in certain public spaces, citing a public health emergency. This move sparked lawsuits and protests before it was scaled back. According to the Associated Press, while some crime-related bills passed, key gun safety legislation failed to advance, highlighting a political divide on firearms policy in the state.
According to World Population Review, as of 2024, approximately 46.2% of adults in New Mexico own at least one firearm. This makes it one of the states with the highest rates of gun ownership in the U.S., placing it within the top five nationally for personal firearm possession. Despite a slight dip in gun sales in recent years, ownership levels remain high, reflecting cultural and political attitudes toward the Second Amendment.
A 2024 poll by Everytown for Gun Safety found that 81% of New Mexico residents believe preventing gun violence should be a legislative priority. Notably, 68% supported banning assault weapons, including 50% who identified as gun owners. Moms Demand Action reported that this data suggests widespread bipartisan support for certain firearm restrictions despite the state's high ownership rate.
Block is a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives representing District 51. He was first elected in 2022 and began his term in January 2023. Block is also the founder of The Piñon Post, a conservative news outlet, and has a background in political communications. A strong advocate for gun rights, he has supported Constitutional Carry legislation in the state.
