ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. — Former state Sen. John Arthur Smith, who represented his southwestern New Mexico district for 31 years, has died.

Smith served Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Luna and Sierra counties from 1989 to 2020. While he served as Democrat, many knew him for his conservative approach to the state’s budget and the permanent funds that pay for much of New Mexico’s schools.

Smith was one of the lawmakers who crafted a budget that would keep the state government afloat as the state emerged from the Great Recession. He also worked closely with other senators, no matter their party. In fact, state Senate Republicans announced his passing Monday.

Statement from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

“Today, I join New Mexicans in mourning the loss of Sen. John Arthur Smith, an extraordinary public servant and a cherished colleague and mentor of mine and many other public servants in our state.  

Senator Smith was committed to fiscal responsibility while consistently aiming to improve quality of life for all New Mexicans. His leadership of the Senate Finance Committee helped put the state on sound financial footing and earned respect from colleagues across the political spectrum. Senator was not only a masterful legislator; he was kind and honest. He provided an example of ethical and decent conduct that all elected officials, including those in Washington, D.C., would be wise to follow.  

Senator Smith’s lifetime of dedication to New Mexico leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit our communities for generations to come. All New Mexicans owe him a debt of gratitude.  

An announcement regarding lowering state flags in honor of Senator John Arthur Smith’s many contributions to New Mexico will be forthcoming. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Janette, his family, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. 

May he rest in peace.” 

Statement from New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend John Arthur Smith, one of New Mexico’s most dedicated and consequential public servants and leaders, and an individual of great wisdom, skill and integrity.

As a state senator and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he fought hard to ensure New Mexico’s long-term financial well-being in the face of difficult economic times and volatile revenues.  John Arthur Smith always understood that the Land Grant Permanent Fund was the key to delivering critical services for the state’s future, and that it must be protected for use in unforeseeable rainy days ahead. He was a rare leader who commanded bipartisan trust and respect on all matters related to the state’s budget, including from many of those who frequently disagreed with him.     

John Arthur’s frugal care of the state’s finances reflected the rural, ranch and small business values of the area he was raised in and represented for 32 years, Senate District 35, covering all of Luna and Hidalgo counties down to the border of Mexico, including part of Doña Ana County.  He was the consummate gentleman, honest and compassionate, and cared deeply for the people of New Mexico.  As a legislator, he sponsored full-day kindergarten and consistently supported annual increases in funding for preschool, extended school year programs, and home visitations for pregnant mothers and new parents.  

Beginning when I arrived in the Senate in 2008 as one its youngest members, and over the next 16 years, John Arthur was my mentor, confidant and friend.  He played a critical role in my appointment to the Legislative Finance Committee.  I will miss him very much.  His legacy will live on at Western New Mexico University’s new John Arthur and Janette Smith Educational Center in Deming, housing the university’s health and nursing career programs, and in the lives of all those who are better off today because of his remarkable service.  I send my love and prayers to Janette, the children and grandchildren, and all those who loved him.”

Statement from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller

“John Arthur was a gifted guardian and steward of billions of our taxpayer dollars who shaped decades of public investment in New Mexico. With his dry wit and biting commentary, few could cut through the meat of an issue to the bone better than John Arthur Smith.  

Working with him in the Senate, as Auditor, and as Mayor, Senator Smith always made clear where he stood on issues.  Whether he was for or against folks on a particular issue, his stance was straightforward and so were his reasons – something so refreshing in politics. He was also an early and ardent champion for mental health programs.

Senator Smith could explain the history behind every line item in the state budget without skipping a beat and will long be celebrated for his brilliant work during budget deficit years to keep our state operating through thick and thin without having to resort to layoffs.”