William Payne (New Mexico politician)

For the American university president, see William H. Payne.

William Holland Payne (born July 18, 1951) is an American politician, attorney, and retired United States Navy Rear admiral.He served as a member of the New Mexico Senate from 1997 to 2021.

Early life and education
Payne was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico and an Master of Arts from Georgetown University.

Military service
Upon commissioning as an ensign in February 1976, he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California. After six months of training, Payne graduated with BUD/S class 89. Following completion of six month probationary period, he received the 1130 designator as a naval special warfare officer, entitled to wear the Special Warfare insignia. He served with Underwater Demolition Team 11 and SEAL Team One. His last active duty assignment was as operations officer for Naval Special Warfare Unit 1, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. Payne eventually rose to the rank of rear admiral while in the United States Navy Reserve.

Politics and government
Elected to the New Mexico Senate in 1997, Payne also served as the Republican whip. Payne was a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council and served as New Mexico state leader in 2012.

In 2020, Payne announced that he would not be a candidate for re-election. He was succeeded by Democrat Martin Hickey.

In 2021, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Payne to the University of New Mexico Board of Regents.