New Mexico State Representative Andrea Romero Named the 2024 State Level Gun Sense Lawmaker of the Year 

NEW YORK — Today, Everytown for Gun Safety named New Mexico State Representative Andrea Romero as the 2024 State Level Gun Sense Lawmaker of the Year for her unwavering leadership on gun safety.

“Thanks in no small part to the leadership of Representative Romero, New Mexico is proving that states with a long tradition of gun ownership can forge a new tradition of passing common-sense gun safety laws,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Representative Romero is saving lives in New Mexico while also serving as an example for state lawmakers across the country.”

“Representative Romero has been a standout leader in the New Mexico state house, pushing for both common-sense and innovative legislation to keep her constituents safe,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “We are so proud that Representative Romero is protecting lives in New Mexico and inspiring legislators across the country to follow suit.”

“There’s nothing more urgent than reducing gun violence to my generation. That’s why it means so much to work alongside such a fierce leader, and gun sense champion, Representative Romero,” Leighanne Muñoz, a member of the Students Demand Action National Organizing Board from New Mexico. “This year, she led the fight for a first-in-the-nation approach to banning assault weapons and made progress on an issue that many had counted out for the session. We thank Representative Romero for her commitment to gun safety and look forward to working in lockstep to protect our homes, schools, and communities from gun violence.” 

Representative Andrea Romero has been one of the foremost gun safety champions in the New Mexico State Legislature since her election in 2018. Earlier this year, she introduced an assault weapons ban bill modeled after Senator Heinrich’s GOSAFE Act – the first in the country to be introduced at the state level. During the 2024 legislative session, she sponsored legislation that created a seven waiting period for firearm purchases and addressed the Charleston Loophole. 

Gun Sense Lawmaker of the Year is an annual award given around Gun Sense University to lawmakers who are setting an example on how to lead on gun safety. Gun Sense University, hosted just last week by Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, together with its grassroots volunteer networks Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, is an annual training and membership conference, bringing together volunteers and leaders of the gun violence prevention movement from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 

In an average year, 507 people die by guns in New Mexico. New Mexico has the 3rd-highest rate of gun deaths in the US, with one the highest gun suicide rates. Despite these statistics, New Mexico has made major strides in its gun policy in recent years, passing a background check requirement for all gun sales, an Extreme Risk law, a suite of domestic violence protections, and a child access prevention law. New Mexico is ranked 16th in the country for Gun Law Strength. More information about gun violence in New Mexico is available here.