Rio Rancho, NM— After serving nearly 10 years in the New Mexico state Legislature representing District 60 in Rio Rancho, Tim Lewis is withdrawing his candidacy for reelection. Lewis is planning on serving the remainder of his current term that ends this year. 

An educator, who focused on crafting and sponsoring legislation to improve education, stimulate the economy, and increase safety in our schools and communities, Tim Lewis has been a consistent fighter in the state Legislature. 

Representative Lewis served on the Labor and Veterans Affairs Committee, the Energy Committee, the Business and Industry Committee, and the Tax and Revenue Committee. He served as Vice-Chair of the Tax and Revenue Committee for two years where he sponsored and passed the 2015 tax package, HB 2, and the 2016 severance tax bond projects package, HB 219.  Some of his other notable bills that became law include HB 55 in 2018, which substantially increased the benefits to the children of fallen first responders, and HB 664 in 2019, which gives school credits to students who choose Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses over traditional college-bound courses. Lewis was the first to sponsor and unanimously pass legislation that made funding of the construction of the Paseo Del Norte / I-25 Interchange a priority. As a kidney transplant recipient, Lewis passed legislation that brought recognition to transplant donors in 2011. 

Citing reasons for leaving the legislature that include spending more time with his wife and four young boys, Lewis also stated that he never wanted to make a career out of politics. 

“Serving these last ten years has been a privilege and great honor, and I will always be grateful for the support that the people of Rio Rancho have given me over the years,” Lewis said. “The decision to withdraw now has not been an easy one for me. My family is the primary reason, but I also recognized early on that the office is best served by those who do not make a career out of politics. As a high school social studies teacher, I have tried to model what good public service looks like. I will continue to encourage students to get involved in serving their community and focus on solutions to the many challenges we all  face as a state and nation.” 

Republican House Leader Jim Townsend said, “Representative Lewis has served honorably and faithfully in the state legislature for ten years as a fighter for conservative causes and Republican efforts to lower taxes, improve the business and economic environment of our state, and increase the safety and prosperity of all New Mexicans. I’m proud to call him a colleague and friend.”

Steve Pearce, Chairman of the New Mexico Republican Party, said,“Tim Lewis is a oneof-a-kind public servant who put in countless hours serving the people of New Mexico while not accepting his salary as a public school teacher. The New Mexico legislature is an all-volunteer body; all who serve sacrifice. Lewis was no exception sacrificing above and beyond the call of duty. Republicans are grateful for his service and commitment to help our state prosper.” 

Lewis is a teacher at Albuquerque Public Schools. He was the only public school teacher serving in the legislature who chose not to take his school salary while serving during legislative sessions. 

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