District Court Judge 1ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT DIVISION 08
State district court judges hear many types of cases, both civil and criminal. Their civil cases include private injury lawsuits, contracts, real estate, family law, and some mental health and election-related issues. The criminal cases they hear include felony and more serious misdemeanor matters.
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
ANASTASIA ROSE MARTIN
(Dem)
1. What qualifies you for this office?
2. What in your background would serve you best as a District Court judge?
3. In addition to hearing and deciding cases, how can you help improve the operations of District Court?
4. What policies are needed to keep the judiciary independent from political influence?
5. What other information would you like the voters to know about you?
Education
Juris Doctor
Occupation
Judge
Filing County
Santa Fe
I am qualified for this position because my education, experience and connection to the community ensure equity, equality and justice. I started my legal career at the First Judicial District Attorney's Office in Santa Fe and stayed with the office for approximately ten years. I practiced in Rio Arriba County for roughly six of those years and conducted approximately 75-100 jury trials. I was appointed by a non-partisan judicial nominating commission and the Governor to serve as a District Court Judge for Division 8 in July 2025. Therefore, my trial experience, connection to the community and experience on the bench make me uniquely qualified for this position.
The experience, knowledge and relationships that I have gained throughout the duration of my career as well as my commitment to the community serve me best as a current District Court Judge. Given my extensive trial experience I am very comfortable with courtroom procedure, the rules of evidence and trial practice. I believe that these skills are invaluable on the bench. Additionally, given the experience that I had practicing in Rio Arriba I am very aware of gaps in services as well as systemic community issues such as deficient community transportation. This knowledge is extremely important to ensure that I can help direct individuals to services that are needed and ensure that they can comply with court orders.
Prior to being appointed to the bench I was the Adult Protective Services Attorney for the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department and was General Counsel for the agency for approximately three and half years. During my time as General Counsel, I learned the intricacy and importance of administration and I brought that understanding to the bench. Some of the operations that I have been working to improve is the modernization of warrant service with the courts and law enforcement to ensure that warrants and warrant returns are entered electronically which significantly reduces the risk of an improper arrest as well creates real time notification to the courts when a warrant returned is filed.
It is imperative that the judiciary maintain independence from political influence to ensure that justice is served for all regardless of their socioeconomic, cultural or political differences. I went through a non-partisan judicial nominating commission and believe that process is very important to ensure judicial independence. Further, public perception of the judicial process shapes the confidence individuals have in the judiciary. Therefore, it is very important that there is equal access to courts as well as a robust judicial standards commission.
I am extremely committed to our community and have dedicated my career to public services. I am a parent to two wonderful children (ages 5 and 12) and being a parent has strengthened my commitment to serve our community. Both of my children participate in various activities including soccer, mariachi, band and dance and these activities allow me to engage with the community in a meaningful non-work related way. In addition to my experience and interest in trial practice it is important to me as a community member, parent and a professional that I am contributing to the community in a positive and productive way.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.