Judge Matthew Chavez - A Record of Public Service
About Judge Matthew Chavez
Judge Matthew Chavez was appointed to the Second Judicial District Court in March 2025 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, after being recommended by the bipartisan Judicial Nominating Commission. He must now run in the 2026 election to continue serving the people of Bernalillo County.
With more than a decade of public service, specializing in criminal law, Judge Chavez brings deep knowledge of the justice system and a proven record of leadership. Before his appointment to the bench, he served as Chief Legal Counsel for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, where he advised the Cabinet Secretary on legal matters, oversaw agency policy and compliance, and worked on legislative initiatives. Earlier in his career, he served as District Defender of the Law Office of the Public Defender in both the Second and Twelfth Judicial Districts, managing complex caseloads, supervising large teams, and leading offices of the Public Defender through challenges ranging from trial overloads to the COVID-19 pandemic. In these roles, he represented hundreds of clients and tried more than 70 jury cases, giving him broad experience in criminal law at every stage of litigation.
Matthew was born and raised in Albuquerque, graduating from the University of New Mexico School of Law. His work has consistently reflected a commitment to fairness, integrity, and strengthening public safety while protecting individual rights. Beyond his courtroom service, he has also invested in legal education, serving as guest faculty at the UNM School of Law and authoring widely used training manuals for attorneys across the state
My Commitment to Our Community
"It is truly an honor to serve as a Judge on this critical court. Nowhere else is there such a profound opportunity to make a difference in our community and in the individual lives of so many. I am committed to serving the people of New Mexico with integrity, fairness, and dedication.” - Judge Matthew Chavez
Judge Chavez is dedicated to ensuring that every person who comes before the court is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. His judicial philosophy is grounded in the rule of law and shaped by his years of experience as both a public defender and chief legal counsel. He has represented hundreds of New Mexicans, managed some of the busiest court dockets in the state, and contributed to legislative reforms in public safety and criminal law.
Outside the courtroom, Matthew invests in the future of the legal profession. He has served as guest faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Law, trained young attorneys through statewide programs, and authored key legal training manuals and casebooks used across New Mexico. His commitment to education and mentorship reflects his belief that the judiciary has a responsibility not only to administer justice, but also to prepare the next generation of legal leaders.
Outside the Courtroom
Beyond his work on the bench, Matthew loves spending time in the great outdoors with his wife and three children. He enjoys camping, hunting, and exploring New Mexico's vast landscapes. He also has a deep interest in history, philosophy, and languages, pursuits that reflect his lifelong commitment to learning. Matthew and his wife live in Albuquerque, where they are raising their three young children and are active members of the community.
The Second Judicial District Court – Serving Bernalillo County
The Second Judicial District Court, based in Albuquerque, is the largest trial court of general jurisdiction in New Mexico, with 30 judges serving the community. The court hears a wide variety of cases, including civil matters such as contract disputes, real estate issues, malpractice claims, and personal injury lawsuits. It also presides over criminal cases involving felonies, along with appeals from the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, including DWI and domestic violence cases.
In addition, the court addresses sensitive family matters such as divorce, custody, child support, and guardianship, as well as children’s cases that involve adoption, delinquency, child abuse and neglect, and mental health commitments. To further meet community needs, the Second Judicial District Court operates specialized programs such as Treatment Courts for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, a Self-Help Center for those representing themselves, a Family Court Clinic to assist in custody and time-sharing disputes, and the Elder and Disability Initiative, which provides critical support in guardianship and conservatorship cases.
2026 Election
Matthew will be on the ballot in Bernalillo County in the 2026 election to keep his position and to continue working for us on the Second Judicial District Court. The Committee to Keep Judge Chavez is pursuing public financing to keep special interests out of judicial races.
The Primary Election will be held June 2, 2026, and the General Election will be held November 3, 2026.
You can make a difference in this effort by signing up to volunteer.
Nominating Petition
Sign the Nominating Petition to place Matthew on the ballot.
To qualify, the campaign must collect nominating petition signatures from registered Democratic voters in Bernalillo County. You can add your signature online in just a few minutes.
Public Financing
The Committee to Keep Judge Matthew Chavez is pursuing public financing under the New Mexico Voter Action Act to ensure fair and ethical elections by taking big money out of judicial campaigns.
To qualify, we must gather 400 contributions of $5 from voters (of any party) who live in Bernalillo County. Every contribution helps, and it only takes a few minutes.