Re-Elect Gary Risley - Probate Judge

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!

How has Judge Risley helped make the probate process easier for the public?
In the past, Judge Risley personally produced a YouTube video describing the probate process to the public. Due to the extensive training he implemented, the County Clerk's staff is skilled in answering basic questions about which form may be needed and its purpose.
Judge Risley is always available to staff to answer questions brought up by the public so the answer may be conveyed to that person. As a judge, he has to be wary of ex parte communications with parties to a probate, so he must direct contact with them. Having the staff convey questions insures he can determine if the question is appropriate to answer and protects the process for everyone.

Reaching for the last probate file of the day! Such drama!

Doing the Probate Judge job - glamorous and exciting, isn't it?

How has Judge Risley helped make the probate process easier for the public?

In the past, Judge Risley personally produced a YouTube video describing the probate process to the public. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8rISLwcKIU).

Due to the extensive training he implemented, the County Clerk's staff is skilled in answering basic questions about which form may be needed and its purpose.

Judge Risley is always available to staff to answer questions brought up by the public so the answer may be conveyed to that person. As a judge, he has to be wary of ex parte communications (conversations with one party without all parties present) with parties to a probate, so he must not have direct contact with them. Having the staff convey questions insures he can determine if the question is appropriate to answer, and if so, have the staff convey the answer which protects the process for everyone.

Gary Risley 1 like. "What Is Probate?"