Carla Sonntag, president and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition, said in a public announcement that a July poll of likely 2025 Albuquerque voters reveals widespread dissatisfaction with the city’s direction and declining support for incumbent Mayor Tim Keller.
"The data clearly shows that Albuquerque residents are deeply dissatisfied with the current trajectory of our city under Mayor Keller's leadership," said Sonntag. "Voters are signaling a strong desire for fresh ideas and a new direction in the upcoming election."
The July 2025 survey of 529 likely voters in Albuquerque was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and commissioned by the New Mexico Business Coalition amid growing voter frustration over city leadership. The poll revealed that 64% of respondents were unhappy with the city's direction under Mayor Tim Keller, with 50% strongly disagreeing that Albuquerque is heading in the right direction. This shift signals a major decline in public confidence compared to previous mayoral cycles, where Keller enjoyed broader support.
According to a poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies between July 8 and July 12, 2025, only 33% of respondents viewed Mayor Tim Keller favorably, while 60% had an unfavorable opinion and 7% were undecided. This unfavorable rating marks a significant drop in public perception compared to Keller’s previous election cycles, where he won comfortably. The poll surveyed 529 likely voters and was commissioned by the New Mexico Business Coalition.
The same poll revealed that Keller trailed behind each of the six certified challengers on the November 2025 mayoral ballot in hypothetical matchups. Despite low name recognition for many of the candidates, the survey indicated voters are more inclined to back alternatives or remain undecided than support the two-term incumbent. This suggests a volatile electoral landscape with potential for major shifts during the campaign season.
Sonntag is the president and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition, a non-partisan advocacy group focused on economic development, regulatory reform, and pro-business policies across the state. Under her leadership, the organization has conducted multiple voter surveys and campaigns to influence local and state-level policy discussions.
