STEPHEN G. FRENCH

Age: 66. Occupation: New Mexico Court of Appeals judge, appointed December 2016. Political affiliation: Republican.

Education: Bachelor’s in university studies, University of New Mexico, 1977; law degree, California Western School of Law, 1980.

Experience: Former prosecutor in 2nd Judicial District in Albuquerque, 1980-82. Partner at Walz and French, 1982-90. During these years, he did contract public-defense work in state and federal courts. Former conflict counsel for Albuquerque Police Department. Legal bureau chief for state Risk Management Division, 1990-93. Private practice French and Associates, 1993-2015; has done both plaintiff and defense civil rights work and had contracts with the Association of Counties and state Risk Management Division.

Personal: Lives in Albuquerque. Married to attorney Katherine Tourek for 37 years. Two daughters, one granddaughter.

What makes you the best candidate for the post? “My experience. I have already cleared the learning curve that all new Court of Appeals judges face in learning the craft and art of being an appellate judge, holding oral arguments and authoring opinions. My extensive background in criminal law and constitutional law enables me to serve all New Mexicans.”

What sets you apart from your opponent? “I have collectively tried to jury verdict in excess of 100 civil or criminal cases. I represented a defendant facing the death penalty and served as a federal public defender for Native Americans facing federal charges.”

Criminal record: None.