Senator Townsend attended New Mexico State University in Carlsbad, New Mexico. His professional experience includes working for Southern Union Company, Southern Union Gas Company, Southern Union Refining Company, Navajo Refining Company, Holly Energy Partners, and UNEV Pipeline Company.
Jim and his wife Paula raised two children and are proud grandparents of three young grandchildren. The Townsend family happily resides in Artesia, New Mexico.
He served in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2015-2024 and was elected to the State Senate in 2024.
