Jim Ellison, Jr.

ALBUQUERQUE – James “Jim” F. Ellison, Jr., a former Commissioner of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), announced this morning his campaign for Governor of New Mexico.

In a statement announcing his candidacy, Ellison highlighted that policies under current Democratic leadership have set the stage for a dramatic increase in electric rates, and articulated his vision for a New Mexico that prioritizes affordability for its citizens and moves the economy forward.

“Over the next 10 years, electric rates will double or triple if our state continues down this path of becoming another California,” he said in his campaign announcement. “At a time when affordability is on the ballot, the reality is that Democrat-led energy policies are making life less affordable for New Mexicans. They will also make our state much less attractive for economic development. We need a leader with vision to reverse course before it is too late, and to help our state reach its potential. I’m ready to make changes that promote electric rate affordability, put the brakes on the construction of transmission lines that export our wind power with no benefit to New Mexico, prioritize improving our education system to support all New Mexicans, ensure our state is competitive when attracting new industries, and, most importantly, lower costs for families and small businesses across our state.”

Prior to serving as an NMPRC Commissioner, Ellison worked as a power plant and electric distribution company manager, an analyst studying the impact of natural disasters on energy infrastructure, and as an analyst studying renewable energy and the value of grid-scale storage.

Ellison holds bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Political Science from Clemson University, master’s degrees in mechanical engineering as well as technology and policy from MIT, and a master’s degree in business from Stanford University. He lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.

To learn more, visit ellisonforgov.com.