Artesia Municipal Court Judge Sarah Gallegos has announced her bid for reelection in the upcoming Municipal Election.
Gallegos, originally from Nevada, has made Artesia her home for the last 12 years. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for 20 years; they have three daughters. Excited to be a part of a warm and welcoming community, Gallegos first jumped into volunteering as the secretary of the Artesia Art Council and sat on the steering committee for the Pregnancy Help Center of Artesia.
Gallegos began working part time for the Eddy County Clerk at the Artesia sub-office. She took an interest in the job of municipal judge when the current judge announced retirement. Always having an interest in serving her community, Gallegos applied and, after an interview with the mayor and members of council, was appointed to fill the vacant position in 2019. She was elected to her first full term in March 2020.
Since taking office, Gallegos was responsible for guiding the municipal court and staff through the COVID-19 pandemic, vowing to keep the court open and ensuring access to all users of the court while complying with the strict protocols of the New Mexico Supreme Court.
Gallegos hears a variety of cases, including traffic and criminal misdemeanor offenses in violation of Artesia municipal ordinances. As one of 20 municipal judges in the state that hear DWI cases, she has completed specialized DWI training courses through the National Judicial College. She is dedicated to court education and continued learning and attends regular webinars, legal updates and training on various issues of the law.
Gallegos implemented monthly DWI meetings with defendants as part of their sentence and probation and, as a result, has had zero defendants re-offend.
She is an active member of the Municipal Judge Association and represents judges on the New Mexico Municipal League Public Safety committee and annual business meeting.
Gallegos believes in community engagement and the important role the court plays in the community. She most recently visited with approximately 400 students at the annual Artesia Elementary School Career Fair.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community and call Artesia my home,” Gallegos said. “I am running for municipal judge because I feel I am making a difference in our community. I understand the issues that affect Artesia. I enjoy the work I do, and I will continue to work hard.
“I am honest, fair and impartial. I believe in treating everyone with courtesy and respect. I appreciate your vote in keeping me as your municipal judge.”