New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission

10/08/2025

Wondering what's in store in 2026? JPEC will make recommendations to voters on as many as 45 judges standing for retention, including two Supreme Court justices, one Court of Appeals judge, 33 District Court judges, and nine Metropolitan Court judges. We will release our recommendations to voters on or before September 18, 2026 so please check back!

11/06/2024

Thank you for voting in the judicial retention elections! We appreciate everyone who took our recommendations into account. For full results, visit (link to: https://nmjpec.org/en/evals/2024?year=2024 )

11/05/2024

Today is Election Day!

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024

Please check with your county clerk on polling locations.

11/02/2024

Last Day of Expanded Early Voting!

Saturday, Oct. 19 - Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024

Please check with your county clerk on polling locations.

10/31/2024

Thank you for supporting JPEC!

Our thanks to retired Second Judicial District Court Judges Alisa Hart, Valarie Huling, Alan M. Malott, Nan Nash, John Romero, Rebecca Sitterly and Wendy York, former New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Edward L. Chavez and former New Mexico Court of Appeals Judge Monica Zamora for submitting this letter of support to the Albuquerque Journal. https://bit.ly/3C5UI1D

10/28/2024

Judge Renée Torres’ scores were somewhat mixed. Attorneys rated her positively for ensuring participants understand court proceedings, treating pro se (self-represented) parties fairly, and ensuring her personal staff is professional, productive, and knowledgeable of court policies and procedures. Some attorneys who responded felt she was not thoroughly knowledgeable regarding substantive law and the rules of procedure and evidence, and did not always follow the legal rules that apply to the case. Court staff rated her positively on all attributes. https://bit.ly/3YB1yVC

10/28/2024

Judge Nina Safier received an overall positive evaluation. Attorneys rated her positively for being attentive to the proceedings, being prepared for court proceedings, and for treating pro se (self-represented) parties fairly. They also rated her positively for ensuring her personal staff is professional, productive, and knowledgeable of court policies and procedures. Court staff rated her highly in all categories. https://bit.ly/4eVm1tX

10/26/2024

Judge Yvette Gonzales received positive scores from attorneys for treating pro se (self-represented) parties fairly, being able to decisively rule on procedural and substantive matters, being prepared, being attentive, and ensuring her personal staff is professional, productive, and knowledgeable of court policies and procedures. Court staff rated her positively in all categories. Resource staff (e.g., law enforcement officers, probation/parole, CASA volunteers, CYFD, interpreters, etc.), and jurors rated her quite positively in all categories. https://bit.ly/3UqVr3N

10/26/2024

Judge Asra Elliott’s scores were somewhat mixed. Attorneys rated her positively for being attentive to the proceedings, treating pro se (self-represented) parties fairly, conducting proceedings without favoritism, and for ensuring her personal staff is professional, productive, and knowledgeable of court policies and procedures. Attorneys rated her somewhat lower in application and knowledge of the law and providing clear communication. Court staff rated her highly on all attributes. https://bit.ly/3zPeKgl

10/25/2024

Thank you, Los Alamos Daily Post, for publishing Chief Justice David Thompson's editorial on how voters can “Make An Informed Decision About Judges on the Ballot.” We appreciate his time, insights, and education on judges' roles in our justice system.

Assessing how state court judges perform on the job is difficult, particularly for New Mexico voters in today’s divisive political environment. But information from the state’s Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) can assist New Mexicans in deciding whether to vote “yes” or “n...

10/25/2024

Judge Rosemary Cosgrove-Aguilar’s scores were quite positive. Attorneys rated her highly for being attentive to the proceedings, ensuring that participants understand the court proceedings, treating pro se (self-represented) parties fairly, and ensuring her personal staff is professional, productive, and knowledgeable of court policies and procedures. Court staff rated her highly in all areas. https://bit.ly/3ZZToaC

10/24/2024

Judge Michelle Castillo Dowler received positive ratings from attorneys. Attorneys rated the judge highly for being attentive to the proceedings, being prepared for court proceedings, and for ensuring that participants understand the court proceedings. Attorneys and court staff rated her positively for ensuring her personal staff is professional, productive, and knowledgeable of court policies and procedures. https://bit.ly/48cKokC