Sara Blankenhorn

(unopposed)

Age: 39

Occupation: Former research and writing associate for Natelson Law Firm; former contract attorney for Community Against Violence; N.M. 1st Judicial District, former assistant district attorney

Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, University of Washington; St. John’s College, Master’s in philosophy and western literature; University of New Mexico Law School, Juris Doctor Political experience: Current Taos Magistrate Court judge (two and a half years)

Political party: Democrat

Charged or convicted of a crime (more serious than a traffic ticket): No

Social media or website: None

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Sara Blankehorn to serve as the new judge in Taos Magistrate Court in March 2020, and voters chose to keep in her in the role during the 2020 primary. Blankehorn replaced Judge Jeff Shannon, who was appointed as judge in Taos District Court in 2019.

“I am greatly honored by governor Lujan Grisham’s appointment

as well as the support I have received from colleagues, associates, and community members,” Blankenhorn said after she learned she had been appointed in 2020. “I look forward to proving myself to the community as a hardworking judge with the integrity and legal experience needed to serve you well. I am eager to hit the ground running and assist Judge Ortega as soon as possible as the courts continue to provide essential functions during this time of upheaval. Finally, it has been a real pleasure to interact with my opponents in this race thus far; there has been much professionalism, courtesy, and even camaraderie in a time that is otherwise characterized by deep political divisiveness.”

The governor appointed Blankenhorn, daughter of former District IV Taos County Commissioner Tom Blankenhorn, over five other candidates who applied for the job, including Charlene Tsoodle-Marcus, who this year is running for probate judge.

Since her appointment, Blankenhorn — who, like her counterpart Judge Ernest Ortega, is running unopposed this year — has gained her first experience as a judge, overseeing a large caseload of misdemeanor and petty offense cases. Magistrate judges also hear felony cases when they are first filed, before they are transferred to the district court upstairs in the courthouse complex.

“All other information remains the same, except, of course, my two years on the bench and two more years on the planet,” Blankenhorn told the Taos News.