Joaquin Romero, the former chairman of New Mexico College Republicans, has highlighted recent polling data indicating widespread dissatisfaction among residents with the state's current trajectory. Concerns include crime rates, living costs, poverty levels, and education rankings. Romero made these remarks during a podcast appearance.
"Yeah, I mean from the article here on the newmexicosun.com, 46% of New Mexicans believe that New Mexico is on the wrong track," said Romero. "You know, about half the state is unhappy with the track that we're on. Top of mind is crime and cost of living. We were just ranked again dead last in education."
According to statewide polling conducted by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Research & Polling Inc., many New Mexicans believe the state is on the wrong path. A January 2024 Voter Pulse survey involving 604 registered voters revealed that 54% perceive New Mexico as heading in the wrong direction, while 36% feel it is moving in the right direction. The poll further indicates that voters are most dissatisfied with issues such as crime and public safety, housing affordability, public education, economic growth, and water and drought management. Reducing crime (54%) and improving schools (46%) emerged as top budget priorities for respondents.
In 2024, data from USAFacts' analysis of FBI statistics showed that New Mexico recorded significantly higher rates of violent crimes (717 per 100,000 residents) and property crimes (2,751 per 100,000 residents) compared to national averages. Additionally, a 2023 state report estimated that 25.3% of children in New Mexico live in poverty versus about 16% nationally. Cost-of-living indexes from Missouri's economic research agency suggest that while prices in New Mexico are slightly below the U.S. average, incomes are also lower.
Education rankings further contextualize these concerns. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Books for 2024 and 2025 rank New Mexico last overall for child well-being and at the bottom in education nationally. Source New Mexico reports declining test performance offsetting improvements in high-school graduation rates. The report highlights persistent gaps in literacy, math proficiency, and family economic security.
Romero is recognized as a young political activist with a background in policy work and campus organizing within New Mexico. According to Think New Mexico's biography of him, he hails from Mora and graduated from United World College in Montezuma before studying political science at Colorado College where he was involved in student government and community service activities. Social media posts from Grow College Republicans acknowledge his tenure as state chairman of the New Mexico Federation of College Republicans.
