Mimi Stewart is a member of the New Mexico State Senate, representing District 17. She assumed office in 2015. Her current term ends on December 31, 2028. The New Mexico State Senate voted to elect Stewart Senate president pro tempore in January 2021. Stewart was born in Sarasota, Florida. Stewart received a bachelor's degree in sociology and history in 1971 from Boston College and a master's in education in 1977 from Wheelock College. Following her graduation, Stewart began teaching in K-12 schools. She worked as a special education teacher in Albuquerque Public Schools, in New Mexico, from 1978 to 2009. Stewart won election to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 1994, beginning her career in politics. She served in the House for 20 years. She ran unopposed in the primary and general elections in 2014, the last time she won re-election to that chamber. In December 2014, Bernalillo County commissioners voted 3-2 to appoint Stewart to represent New Mexico State Senate District 17, replacing Tim Keller, who was elected state auditor. Stewart ran unopposed in 2016 and defeated Rodney Deskin 66-34% in 2020. She ran unopposed in the primary and general elections in 2024.