Findings Include 77% Support of Regulating Gun Stores the Same Way Other Businesses are Regulated in the State
Santa Fe, NM — New polling released yesterday shows overwhelming, bipartisan support among New Mexicans for cracking down on gun trafficking and strengthening gun safety laws, underscoring strong public backing for legislation moving through the state legislature this session.
The SurveyUSA poll of likely 2026 New Mexico voters found that more than eight in ten voters (83%) believe gun violence prevention should be a priority during the upcoming legislative session, and nearly three in four voters say illegally trafficked guns contribute to violent crime in their communities. Support for addressing gun trafficking cuts across party lines, including strong majorities of Republicans, independents, and gun owners.
Voters also overwhelmingly support holding gun dealers accountable and public backing for broader gun safety measures:
- Among this broad coalition of voters who believe more action is needed, gun trafficking is top of mind. 77% of voters support regulating gun dealers like cannabis dispensaries or pharmacies. Three-quarters (75%) of Republicans and more than two-thirds (68%) of gun owners think that illegally trafficked guns contribute to violent crime in their communities.
- Three in four voters support proposals requiring licensed gun dealers to secure inventory, track sales, and face penalties when their guns are repeatedly recovered in crimes — policies reflected in SB 17, legislation currently under consideration at the Roundhouse.
- When a proposal to strengthen dealer accountability is paired with a ban on the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, nearly two-thirds of voters (65%) support the combined legislation, reinforcing findings from previous polling showing bipartisan support for an assault weapons ban in New Mexico.
The polling demonstrates that gun safety is a unifying and urgent issue across the political spectrum, including gun owners and non-gun owners alike, underscoring that an overwhelming majority of New Mexicans agree on taking these common-sense solutions. The full polling memo can be seen here.
“New Mexicans are united around the idea that gun violence is not inevitable and that we can do more to stop the flow of illegal guns into our communities,” said Christina Genuario-Gill, gun violence survivor and volunteer with the New Mexican chapter of Moms Demand Action. Genuario-Gill’s son, Joseph Aiello, was killed by gun violence in Santa Fe in October 2021. “This poll makes it clear that voters want lawmakers to hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable and take common-sense steps to keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.”
Students and young voters emphasized the urgency of action as gun violence continues to impact their daily lives.
“Young people across New Mexico are demanding real solutions to gun violence,” said Emmery Whiteaker, a volunteer leader with Students Demand Action in New Mexico. “Voters agree that stopping gun trafficking and strengthening gun safety laws, including addressing the dangers of assault weapons, will save lives. Lawmakers should listen and act.”
Across the political spectrum highlights a clear opportunity for lawmakers to advance policies that reflect the will of New Mexicans and prioritize public safety.