Former New Mexico state Senator John Arthur Smith, a prominent figure in southwestern politics for over three decades, passed away at the age of 82 at his home in Deming on Monday. The news of his death was confirmed by New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, who announced it during the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association’s annual meeting in Santa Fe.
Smith represented Senate District 35, covering Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra counties, from 1989 until his retirement in 2021. He held significant roles in state finance, serving as chair of the Legislative Finance Committee and later as the Senate Finance Committee chair, where he played a crucial role in shaping the state’s budget and fiscal policy.
His tenure was marked by a commitment to fiscal responsibility, earning him a reputation as a gatekeeper for state spending. He was instrumental in expanding New Mexico’s educational trust fund, benefiting the state’s educational initiatives.
Legislative Finance Committee Chairman George Munoz praised Smith’s contributions, stating, “Every New Mexican owes a debt to John Arthur Smith. He protected the state’s finances in good times and bad.” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also acknowledged his legacy, expressing condolences to Smith’s wife, Janette, and his family.
Smith earned a degree from the University of New Mexico in 1966 and became actively involved in politics in southern New Mexico during the early 1980s. A cause of death has not been disclosed.