Each summary is supported by the candidate's own words from a campaign source, direct candidate response, or official primary record retained with the profile.
Public finance, audits, and accountability
Candidate positionJames will advocate for transferring the state's unclaimed property program — currently housed in the Taxation and Revenue Department — to the State Treasurer's Office, where it belongs. Taxation and Revenue is currently holding $390 million in unclaimed assets that belong to New Mexicans. Less than 5% of the assets held were returned to their rightful owners last year. Once transferred to the State Treasurer's Office, James will make returning these funds to their rightful owners a priority.
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James will advocate for transferring the state's unclaimed property program — currently housed in the Taxation and Revenue Department — to the State Treasurer's Office, where it belongs. Taxation and Revenue is currently holding $390 million in unclaimed assets that belong to New Mexicans. Less than 5% of the assets held were returned to their rightful owners last year. Once transferred to the State Treasurer's Office, James will make returning these funds to their rightful owners a priority.
Public finance, audits, and accountability
Candidate positionThe FY2025 Annual Report was posted on the treasurer's website on June 5, 2026 — almost one year after the fiscal year ended. New Mexicans deserve better. James will publish the complete Annual Report of the treasurer's operations by Dec. 31 of each year — before the Legislature convenes in January.
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The FY2025 Annual Report was posted on the treasurer's website on June 5, 2026 — almost one year after the fiscal year ended. New Mexicans deserve better. James will publish the complete Annual Report of the treasurer's operations by Dec. 31 of each year — before the Legislature convenes in January.
Public finance, audits, and accountability
Candidate positionNew Mexicans deserve to know how their money is performing. James will publish a new Annual Investment Performance Report within four months of the fiscal year's end. It will be easily accessible and written for the general public in plain English, showing how the treasurer's investments performed and how that performance compares to appropriate benchmarks.Transparency shouldn't be optional when managing $20 billion of public funds.
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New Mexicans deserve to know how their money is performing. James will publish a new Annual Investment Performance Report within four months of the fiscal year's end. It will be easily accessible and written for the general public in plain English, showing how the treasurer's investments performed and how that performance compares to appropriate benchmarks.Transparency shouldn't be optional when managing $20 billion of public funds.
Candidate statement
Candidate positionMy name is James Ellison. I hold the Chartered Financial Analyst designation — a credential that reflects rigorous training in investment analysis, portfolio management and fiduciary ethics. I also served as a commissioner with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in 2023 and 2024, where I evaluated competing financial analyses in utility rate cases and rendered binding decisions on complex financial questions. That experience sharpened my ability to ask the right questions and evaluate financial claims critically — exactly the kind of judgment the State Treasurer’s Office requires. I am running for state treasurer because I believe this office can and should do better.
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My name is James Ellison. I hold the Chartered Financial Analyst designation — a credential that reflects rigorous training in investment analysis, portfolio management and fiduciary ethics. I also served as a commissioner with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in 2023 and 2024, where I evaluated competing financial analyses in utility rate cases and rendered binding decisions on complex financial questions. That experience sharpened my ability to ask the right questions and evaluate financial claims critically — exactly the kind of judgment the State Treasurer’s Office requires. I am running for state treasurer because I believe this office can and should do better.
Candidate statement
Candidate positionThird, I will advocate for transferring the state’s unclaimed property program — currently housed in the Taxation and Revenue Department — to the State Treasurer’s Office, where it belongs. Taxation and Revenue is currently holding $390 million in unclaimed assets that belong to New Mexicans. Less than 5% of the assets held were returned to their rightful owners last year. In 31 out of 50 states, this function sits with the state treasury. Whereas the mission of the State Treasurer’s Office is stewardship of the funds entrusted to it, Taxation and Revenue is set up to collect money — not distribute it. Once transferred to the State Treasurer’s Office, I will make returning these funds to their rightful owners a priority.
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Third, I will advocate for transferring the state’s unclaimed property program — currently housed in the Taxation and Revenue Department — to the State Treasurer’s Office, where it belongs. Taxation and Revenue is currently holding $390 million in unclaimed assets that belong to New Mexicans. Less than 5% of the assets held were returned to their rightful owners last year. In 31 out of 50 states, this function sits with the state treasury. Whereas the mission of the State Treasurer’s Office is stewardship of the funds entrusted to it, Taxation and Revenue is set up to collect money — not distribute it. Once transferred to the State Treasurer’s Office, I will make returning these funds to their rightful owners a priority.
Candidate statement
Candidate positionPolicyCandidates must pass three progressively difficult exams, accumulate at least 4,000 hours of relevant professional experience, and commit to CFA Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Most candidates spend four or more years completing the program. It is widely considered the most demanding credential in the investment profession.
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Candidates must pass three progressively difficult exams, accumulate at least 4,000 hours of relevant professional experience, and commit to CFA Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Most candidates spend four or more years completing the program. It is widely considered the most demanding credential in the investment profession.
Unclaimed Property Reform
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyTransfer New Mexico's unclaimed-property program from the Taxation and Revenue Department to the State Treasurer's Office and prioritize returning unclaimed assets to their rightful owners.
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Unclaimed Property Reform
On-Time Annual Reporting
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyPublish the Treasurer's complete annual operations report by December 31 each year, before the Legislature convenes in January.
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On-Time Annual Reporting
Investment Transparency
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyPublish a plain-English Annual Investment Performance Report within four months of each fiscal year's end showing portfolio performance against appropriate benchmarks.
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Investment Transparency
