Sandra Baumann, Coordinator of the Judicial Nominating Commission, said the commission members recommended that Jennifer DeLaney be appointed to the bench.
DeLaney was one of four applicants for the vacancy -- the same four who filed declarations of candidacy for the position: DeLaney and Michael Renteria, who are Democrats, and Jarod Hofacket and Cynthia Patterson, who are Republicans. A fifth applicant, Gerald Byers, withdrew his name from consideration.
DeLaney has been practicing law in Deming for 10 years, and has served as the District Court's Special Master since 2009. She has passed the bar in New Mexico and Florida.
Governor Martinez can either accept the commission's recommendation of DeLaney, or ask the commission for additional names.
Once appointed, the successful applicant will serve on the bench through the end of the year, when the elected candidate assumes the bench.