Re-Elect Gary Risley - Probate Judge

Thank you everyone for your support in the Republican Primary. I won re-election with 57% of the vote. I do not have an opponent in the general election.

I will do my best to serve you well and earn the trust you have placed in me.

Thanks again, and God bless.

Gary Risley

While campaigning I have been asked by a few people whether one person can effectively serve both as Probate Judge and Chief Deputy District Attorney.

The answer is yes.

And it really comes down to three things:

• Experience
• Time management
• Work ethic

First, the Probate Judge position in New Mexico is a part-time county position under New Mexico law.

It is not designed to be a full-time judicial position, and, pursuant to the judicial canons of ethics, the probate judge cannot meet individually with probate applicants or family members of the decedent.

Second, my role as Chief Deputy District Attorney is not a typical “9 to 5” job.

There are many days in public service that require 12+ hour workdays. Because of that reality, the District Attorney provides flexible scheduling for leadership positions. He has allowed me the flexibility to spend the limited time I am required to be physically in the Probate Court office each week while still fully meeting my responsibilities to the District Attorney’s Office.

The Probate Court itself is staffed by highly trained personnel who handle the day-to-day operations professionally and efficiently. The probate clerks are available 40 hours a week to accept filings. Probate files are forwarded to me by email for review, and much of that work is done during evening hours after my regular workday.

That means I am able to provide full-time service to the District Attorney’s Office while also fulfilling every obligation of the part-time Probate Judge position.

And frankly, this is not new for me.

Throughout my professional career, I have always worked jobs with demanding schedules that exceeded 40 hours a week, including when I was in solo practice and serving as probate judge.

At the same time, over the years I successfully managed personal businesses, while being active in Scouts and church, serving as an officer in the local and state Republican Party, working on Rotary Club projects, and participating fully in my children’s sporting activities. I even managed to take out the trash and mow the lawn!

Now it must be said, I do not spend much time sitting in front of a television!

I’ve always believed in focusing my time and energy on things that matter — faith, family, work, and service.

Time management is a skill.

Experience matters too.

After more than 25 years practicing probate and estate law in San Juan County, I can often analyze and resolve issues in minutes that might take someone else hours to research and study.

That experience benefits families.

It benefits the efficiency of the Probate Court.

And it benefits taxpayers.

Most importantly, the Probate Court is working.

Cases are being handled promptly. Families are treated respectfully. The office is organized, professional, and efficient.

Before accepting the Chief Deputy position, I obtained a written ethics opinion confirming that I could legally and ethically serve in both roles.

At the end of the day, voters should ask a very simple question:

Is the Probate Court functioning well and serving the people of San Juan County effectively?

I believe the answer is yes.

And I would be honored to continue serving as your Probate Judge.

What a day! Blew through 1000 doors knocked in total and over 200 in one day! The knuckles are raw, the door-ringing finger is swollen, but it is all worth it to get to meet so many of you.

I want to thank everyone for the encouragement and support I am receiving from you as I meet you face to face.

I would appreciate your vote in the Republican Primary on June 2nd.

What should the public know about Judge Risley outside of his qualifications for probate judge?

Judge Risley is a life-long conservative Republican. He has served the party as a County Chair, a State Vice-Chair, as a delegate to the national party convention on two occasions, and have served on the national platform committee once, and the state platform committee numerous times. He has been a consistent financial supporter of the County Party for years.

He and his wife, Annette, have been married 43 years, have 3 grown children, and nine grandchildren.

He teaches a Bible study class in his church and is a deacon there.

He was a long time Scoutmaster (back before Scouting went woke) and now serves youth in Trail Life - a values-based scouting-type program. Judge Risley is a 30-plus year member of the San Juan Rotary Club and a three time Paul Harris award recipient - the highest award a club can give.

He is a pilot, ham radio operator, and enjoys photography.

Judge Risley is a former CCW instructor and a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment to the Constitution. He is a life-time member of the NRA and the local San Juan Wildlife Federation. He is a member of Gun Owners of America and the Second Amendment Foundation.

Went and voted today (May 14th)! First shot is in the voting booth and the second is outside after turning in my ballot.

Please get out and vote, and I would appreciate your vote!

I have recently learned that questions are being raised publicly about my ability to continue serving both as Probate Judge for San Juan County and as Chief Deputy District Attorney for the 11th Judicial District. I am legally and ethically allowed to do so.

Before accepting the Chief Deputy position in January 2025, I proactively requested an ethics review from the New Mexico State Ethics Commission. After extensive review, the Commission concluded that New Mexico’s Governmental Conduct Act does not prohibit me from serving in both positions, provided proper disclosures were made and any potential conflicts are avoided. Those disclosures were made in writing and provided to the appropriate officials.

The Ethics Commission specifically concluded that:
“...the Governmental Conduct Act would not prohibit you from accepting the position as Chief Deputy District Attorney while maintaining your position as Probate Judge...”
(State Ethics Commission Informal Advisory Opinion 2024-21)

Being ethical and accountable have been important to me throughout my 43 years of practice.. That is why I sought the ethics opinion before taking office, disclosed the arrangement in writing, and structured my responsibilities to ensure that my duties as Probate Judge do not interfere with my responsibilities to the District Attorney’s Office.

The Probate Court continues to operate normally and efficiently for the citizens of San Juan County, and I remain committed to serving this community with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the law.

For those who wish to review the Ethics Commission opinion themselves, I am including a link to it here: https://1drv.ms/b/c/0fb096c5c67d754d/IQBNdX3GxZawIIAPDmABAAAAAWutUSPEP2tVODxWgOep4LM?e=DdFf20

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I enjoyed speaking to the Republican Women's Meeting this past Thursday wherein I emphasized once again "Experience Matters". I also reminded them that you don't change the coach on a winning team, so you should not change the judge on a well-run probate court!

Early Voting has started. I would appreciate your vote!

Blessings to our mothers (and mothers-to-be) on this Mother's Day!