James B. Lewis

James Beliven Lewis is an American politician from the state of New Mexico. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the State Treasurer of New Mexico from 1985–1990 and from 2006–2014.

Lewis was born in Roswell, New Mexico. He earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, and a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the National College of Business in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lewis served US Army for two years. When he returned to New Mexico, he worked for the New Mexico State Personnel Office and the Public Service Career Office in minority recruitment. He then became director of the African American Studies Division under the Multi-cultural Enrichment Program.

He received his master's degree in public administration from the University of New Mexico as well as a BS/AS business degree from the National College of Business in Albuquerque. He worked as a personnel counselor and administrator at the University of Albuquerque. He later worked for the District Attorney's office as a criminal investigator. Lewis was elected Bernalillo County Treasurer in 1982, becoming the first African American to win a countywide election in New Mexico. He won re-election in 1984.