EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — John Arthur Smith, a Deming Democrat who served in the New Mexico state Senate for more than 30 years, died on Monday, Oct. 7, numerous media outlets and colleagues reported.
Smith served in the state Senate from 1989 to 2021. For more than a decade, he served as chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, where he earned the nickname of “Dr. No.”
His district included parts of Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Luna and Sierra counties.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called Smith an “extraordinary public servant” and “mentor of mine and many other public servants in the 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,” Lujan Grisham said.
“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,” the governor added.
The governor said she would announce plans to have state flags lowered to honor Smith’s “many contributions to New Mexico.”
State Sen. Crystal Brantley, R-Elephant Butte, remembered Smith for his bipartisan approach.
“In Senator John Arthur Smith’s final speech on the floor of the Senate, he made a plea for the chamber to ‘move forward as friends — with dignity and honor,’ Brantley said.
“Today, I mourn the passing of my predecessor and friend, John Arthur Smith. Though we came from opposite ends of the political spectrum, we shared a positive vision for the future of New Mexico through fiscal prudence and economic opportunity. Our Luna County roots made us more alike than different. Today, I reflect on his legacy, reminded that moving forward as friends is still possible,” Brantley said.
“It is my sincere desire and goal to see his vision through. Though the Senate has moved progressively left, and short term in its spending priorities since his departure, I believe a better future is still ahead of us. Civility, respect, and collaboration — the John Arthur Smith way — is the path forward for the state of New Mexico,” Brantley added.
Smith was either 81 or 82. Biographies did not list an exact birthdate for Smith, just saying he was born in 1942.
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