Colorado: Governor Polis Makes Appointments to the 4th and 17th Judicial Districts and to the Larimer County Court in the 8th Judicial District

DENVER ~ In a recent announcement, Governor Jared Polis has made appointments to three judicial districts in Colorado. These appointments include Lara Y. Nafziger to the 4th Judicial District Court, Thomas M. Ward to the 17th Judicial District Court, and Leeah B. Lechuga to the Larimer County Court in the 8th Judicial District.

Ms. Nafziger has been appointed to the 4th Judicial District Court, effective October 1, 2026. This appointment was created by the retirement of Honorable Michael P. McHenry. Ms. Nafziger brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as a Magistrate in the 4th Judicial District since 2019. Her docket primarily consists of juvenile, domestic, and criminal matters. Prior to this position, she worked as a Lead Deputy Public Defender and Deputy Public Defender at the Colorado Springs Office of the Colorado State Public Defender.

With a Bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster and a Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline University School of Law, Ms. Nafziger is well-equipped for her new role on the bench.

Governor Polis has also appointed Thomas M. Ward to the 17th Judicial District Court with immediate effect. This appointment was created by the retirement of Honorable Arturo G. Hernandez.

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Mr. Ward currently serves as a District Court Magistrate in the 20th Judicial District and has held this position since 2023. His docket primarily consists of domestic and criminal matters. In addition to his judicial duties, Mr. Ward is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado Law School.

Prior to his current roles, Mr. Ward was the Owner at TM Ward LLC and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctorate from University of Colorado Law School.

Lastly, Governor Polis has appointed Leeah B. Lechuga to the Larimer County Court in the 8th Judicial District, effective October 1, 2026. This appointment was created by the retirement of Honorable Kraig S. Ecton.

Ms. Lechuga brings a diverse legal background to her new role as she has previously served as a Deputy District Attorney in the 8th and 18th Judicial District Attorney's Offices, an Assistant Attorney General at the Colorado Department of Law, an Associate Attorney at the Denver City Attorney's Office, and a Law Clerk for the 18th Judicial District Court.

With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and a Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Ms. Lechuga is well-qualified for her new position on the bench.

These appointments by Governor Polis demonstrate his commitment to selecting highly qualified individuals to serve on Colorado's judicial benches. The newly appointed judges will bring their expertise and experience to their respective districts and continue to uphold justice in their communities.

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