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A BLUEPRINT FOR NEW MEXICO'S FUTURE

Law That's Just Built on Trust

Sam Bregman’s Plan to Fight Crime in New Mexico

I’m running to be New Mexico’s next Governor. I’m ready to fight for every person in the state; build a safer, more prosperous future for generations to come; and hold those who harm communities accountable.

 

I began my career in the justice system over 30 years ago as an Assistant District Attorney. Since then, I have dedicated my professional life to advocating for the most vulnerable and voiceless. I spearheaded initiatives in the Albuquerque metropolitan area to establish hate crime ordinances and founded the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, which continues to provide critical support to survivors throughout the state.

 

Now, as Bernalillo County’s District Attorney, I have brought the leadership, determination, and effective advocacy needed to address New Mexico’s ongoing crime challenges.

Combat Drug Addiction

Substance abuse and addiction are fueling crime in New Mexico with the fentanyl crisis causing devastating harm across our communities. As District Attorney, I have cracked down on traffickers while helping addicted offenders get the treatment they need, but we can’t prosecute our way out of this epidemic. Tackling addiction takes both accountability and compassion, and New Mexicans deserve easy, reliable access to treatment and recovery services. By working together, we can confront this crisis head-on and build a safer, healthier New Mexico.

As governor, I will:

  • Establish a centralized hub for law enforcement, health care workers, and families to get real-time access to treatment. This will include broad-based Narcan training to teach anyone how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose by administering Narcan. Minutes can save lives.

  • Expand access to social services and rebuild the behavioral health provider network.

  • Fully fund law enforcement, district attorneys, public defenders, and the judiciary.

  • Expand specialty courts to better handle addiction-related cases.

  • Increase addiction recovery services for youth.

Recruit More Police

Being a police officer is more than a job. It’s a calling rooted in service, courage, and integrity. I know it’s time to restore pride in law enforcement and rebuild trust between officers and the communities they serve. With over 30 years in the justice system and a record of standing up for the vulnerable, including my work as District Attorney, I know the value of strong, ethical policing and the leadership required to deliver real public safety reform.

As governor, I will:

  • Partner with local high schools and universities to develop training and career programs, including internships that provide students - especially those from underrepresented communities - with pathways to employment opportunities in law enforcement.

  • Dedicate resources to recruiting talent from universities from out of state, particularly those in areas that may have similar cultures and values to the communities of New Mexico.

  • Expand our state retirement and benefits system to recognize prior service from officers in other states, enabling experienced law enforcement officers to work in New Mexico while retaining the retirement benefits for which they have worked so hard.

Crack Down on Youth Violence

I understand the growing crisis of youth violence and gun-related crime across New Mexico. As District Attorney, I implemented a zero-tolerance policy for firearms on school grounds and introduced a plea policy requiring juveniles to disclose gun sources. Recognizing the connection between crime and child well-being, I have worked with legislators, law enforcement, and advocacy groups to push for updates to the Children’s Code that balance accountability for violent offenders with prevention and rehabilitation for at-risk youth.

As governor, I will:

  • Modernize the Children’s Code to close gaps in the juvenile justice system and address the rise in youth violence.

  • Expand deterrence efforts with mentoring, education, and alternative sentencing for non-violent youth.

  • Improve collaboration statewide among schools, law enforcement, courts, and community organizations.

  • Ensure violent juveniles are held accountable while creating meaningful rehabilitation pathways.

  • Elevate child well-being as a central strategy to reduce longterm crime in New Mexico.

Attack Property Crime

Property and retail crime is a growing multi-billion dollar problem. As a longtime downtown Albuquerque business owner, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact vandalism and theft generate on local businesses. With my background as a prosecutor, I understand that many of these crimes are driven by complex, organized retail theft networks that endanger both the economy and public safety. I have worked closely with major retailers and small business owners to develop real solutions, and I am committed to using every tool available to keep communities safe and support local businesses.

As governor, I will:

  • Increase the number of law enforcement officers on the streets.

  • Train and deploy specialized prosecutors to handle organized retail crime.

  • Invest in advanced technology to identify and track criminal networks.

  • Partner with both major retailers and small businesses to develop local solutions.

  • Address root causes of property crime through a coordinated strategy.

Prevent Domestic Violence

Domestic violence remains a serious issue in New Mexico impacting families across the state. I bring firsthand experience in both representing survivors and prosecuting offenders. Under my leadership as District Attorney, my office made domestic violence a top priority, working with advocacy groups, investing in specialized training, and using tools like Extreme Risk Protection Orders to hold perpetrators accountable. While progress has been made, I know there’s still more work to do to protect survivors and prevent violence before it happens.

As governor, I will:

  • Prioritize prosecution of domestic violence cases across the state.

  • Expand the use of Extreme Risk Protection Orders to keep firearms out of dangerous hands.

  • Strengthen partnerships with local advocacy organizations.

  • Invest in specialized training for law enforcement and prosecutors.

  • Ensure survivors have access to the support and resources they need.

Prosecute Hate Crimes

Marginalized communities are under growing attacks across the country that are often fueled by hateful rhetoric and federal inaction. In a diverse state like New Mexico, every person deserves to feel safe. I understand the legal and emotional complexities of prosecuting hate crimes offenses that are notoriously difficult to prove and often place an unfair burden on victims. As District Attorney and as a seasoned trial attorney, I have consistently stood up for those targeted by hate. I am committed to using my extensive legal experience to modernize protections and uphold justice for all.

As governor, I will:

  • Modernize and strengthen New Mexico’s hate crime enhancement laws.

  • Use legal expertise to ensure hate crimes are prosecuted with care and determination.

  • Advocate for policies that protect the rights and safety of all marginalized communities.

  • Partner with lawmakers and legal experts to close gaps in enforcement.

  • Stand firmly against hate, fear, and discrimination in all forms.

Battle Organized Crime

As Chairman of the Organized Crime Commission, I have seen how cartels, human traffickers, and other transnational criminal organizations exploit New Mexico’s weaker laws and limited law enforcement resources. These criminal networks operate across borders and jurisdictions, targeting vulnerable people and communities. I know we need a unified, statewide and regional approach to combat these threats.

As governor, I will:

  • Establish a centralized law enforcement intelligence center to coordinate statewide and regional efforts.

  • Update human trafficking laws to ensure traffickers are fully prosecuted.

  • Empower law enforcement to seize assets from criminal organizations.

  • Reinvest seized assets into programs that benefit New Mexico communities.

  • Strengthen coordination between local, state, tribal, and regional law enforcement.

  • Target cartel routes, tactics, and operations through real-time data and intelligence.

  • Ensure rural areas and tribal communities are fully supported in the fight against organized crime.

  • Make it clear: New Mexico is no longer open for cartel or trafficking business.

Tackling DWI

DWI offenses continue to plague New Mexico and threaten the safety of our communities. To improve public safety, restore public confidence, and ensure consistent enforcement across the state, we must take action to strengthen DWI laws, equip officers with the right tools and training, and streamline the entire process from roadside stops to courtroom outcomes.

As governor, I will:

  • Advance a unified DWI strategy for New Mexico by building a centralized, concerted statewide effort to aid in the investigations and prosecutions of DWI.

  • Equip DWI officers with the latest technology, including mobile breathalyzers for rural communities, to make immediate testing more efficient and reliable.

  • Increase funding and resources to expand specialized DWI courts to make sure justice is served efficiently and to make sure first-time offenders get the resources to never offend again.

  • Streamline prosecutions and increase penalties for chronic, repeat offenders convicted of multiple DWI offenses, ensuring that those who constantly endanger public safety face more serious consequences.

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