Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Division XVI
Background Claire Ann McDaniel is a judge in Division XVI of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She handles a mix of criminal and civil matters.
Education She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law.
Prior Experience Before joining the bench, McDaniel worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Appointment & Current Role A Democrat and EMERGE NM 2022 Alum, McDaniel was appointed to the Metropolitan Court in September 2022 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to fill a vacancy. She was sworn in as a Metropolitan Court judge in September 2022.
In her role she has been involved in the court’s Behavioral Health Court initiatives focused on substance use disorder treatment. She has also participated in public discussions and court programs that address substance use disorders and behavioral health treatment in the justice system.
Election Status McDaniel won the special general election in November 2022 unopposed. Her current term expires on December 31, 2026, and she is up for retention in November 2026.
Sources / Links:
- Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Claire_Ann_McDaniel
- NM Courts Metropolitan Judges page: https://metro.nmcourts.gov/about-this-court/judges/
- NM Courts Swearing-In Announcement: https://x.com/nmcourts/status/1567986657462484993
- Behavioral Health Court Program: ABQ Journal coverage on Metro Court treatment initiatives




















































