Lesbian Judge Wins Statewide Race in New Mexico

Judge Linda Vanzi of New Mexico won the Democratic primary Tuesday for a seat on the court of appeals, which could make her the first openly LGBT official to be elected statewide. She faces no Republican opponent in the fall.

According to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorsed Vanzi, she "was selected for a seat on the Court of Appeals in 2008 by Gov. [Bill] Richardson. Under New Mexico state law, appointed judges must stand for election in the next general election following their appointment. In the future, voters will be asked only if they wish to retain Vanzi on the statewide court."

"Prior to her appointment," reports the Victory Fund, "Vanzi served on the Second Judicial District court from 2004-2008. Vanzi's legal career has spanned a broad range of issues from civil rights to employment law, personal injury, child abuse and neglect, and commercial law. Vanzi has been awarded the Judge of the Year award by the Albuquerque Bar Association and the Trial Judge of Year award by the American Board of Trial Advocates."

Also in New Mexico on Tuesday, Shannon Bacon, an out lesbian lawyer and women and children's advocate, won the Democratic primary for the district court in Bernalillo County, which encompasses Albuquerque. She faces no opponent in the fall election.