Senator, New Mexico State Senate, District 34, 2025-present

Representative, New Mexico State House of Representatives, District 54, 2017-2025

Candidate, New Mexico State Senate, District 34, 2024

Minority Floor Leader, New Mexico State House of Representatives, 2019-2023

Candidate, New Mexico State House of Representatives, District 54, 2022

Member, Conservation

Ranking Member, Rules

Former Member, Appropriations and Finance Committee, New Mexico State House of Representatives

Former Member, Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee, New Mexico State House of Representatives

Former Member, Health & Human Services Committee, New Mexico State House of Representatives

Former Member, Rules and Order of Business, New Mexico State House of Representatives

Director, Holly Energy Partners, 2012-2017

Senior Vice President, UNEV Pipeline Company, HollyFrontier Corporation, 2007-2011

Vice President, Holly Corporation, 1984-2007

Member, First Baptist Church, present

Awards:

Farmer/Rancher/World War II Veteran

Date of Wedding Anniversary:

1974

Father's Name:

Bill

Father's Occupation:

Jim's dad and mom Bill and Alegra Townsend were lifelong Eddy County residents as a couple married for more than 60 years. Bill was a farmer and a rancher and a World War II Veteran, serving active duty in the European theatre and being honorably discharged at the end of the war.

Mother's Name:

Alegra

Mother's Occupation:

Alegra worked for the school system working many years for Joe Stell at Alta Vista School.

Names of Grandchildren:

Kayleigh, Elli and Lincoln.

Number of Grandchildren:

3

Priority Issues:

COMMITTED TO
Quality education for our youth
Sound water policies
Fiscal Responsibility
Support business and industry in Southeastern New Mexico
Upholding family and community values
Tougher drug and gang laws
Southestern N.M. highways and road improvements