SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Supreme Court says a District Court judge for three northern New Mexico counties must step down after losing a retention election.
The justices ruled unanimously Monday that the election results stand and that Judge Sheri Raphaelson must give up her judicial post on Dec. 31.
Raphaelson serves in a judicial district comprised of Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties, and she primarily hears cases in Tierra Amarilla.
Raphaelson unsuccessfully challenged the election results by saying she didn't have to stand for retention yet in the first place because she was initially elected to fill a midterm vacancy.
Two justices said during a hearing that Raphaelson could have objected before the election to her name going on the ballot.
Gov. Susana Martinez will appoint a replacement.