New Mexico Fourth Judicial District Court, Division I
Background Michael A. Aragon is a district court judge in Division I of the New Mexico Fourth Judicial District Court. The district covers Guadalupe, Mora, and San Miguel counties.
Education & Admission He was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 1999.
Prior Experience Aragon owned and operated a general practice law office in Las Vegas, New Mexico, for more than 20 years. His practice focused on criminal defense and representation of public entities. He also served as Mora County attorney for over seven years.
Appointment & Current Role A Democrat, he was appointed to the bench on May 27, 2021, by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Gerald E. Baca to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.
In March 2025, Judge Aragon issued a permanent injunction ordering landowners along the Pecos River in Terrero to remove “No Trespassing” signs and fencing. He ruled that the signs and fencing violated New Mexicans’ constitutional right to access public streams for recreation.
In 2022, he faced a recusal motion in a Mora County civil dispute involving neighbors. One party alleged a potential conflict of interest because Aragon had previously represented a defendant in a related criminal matter before becoming a judge. No formal disqualification resulted from the available reporting.
Election Status He was elected unopposed in the 2022 general election. His current term expires on December 31, 2026.
Sources / Links:
- Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_A._Aragon
- Fourth Judicial District Court Judges: https://fourthdistrict.nmcourts.gov/jury-duty/judges/
- Governor’s Appointment Announcement: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/05/27/gov-lujan-grisham-fills-district-court-vacancy/
- Source New Mexico (Pecos River ruling): https://sourcenm.com/briefs/judge-permanently-orders-landowners-to-keep-pecos-clear-in-state-stream-access-lawsuit/
- Santa Fe New Mexican (2022 conflict allegation): https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/las-vegas-n-m-judge-accused-of-conflict-of-interest/article_ca3e91ae-724c-11ec-ba4d-7f46f6b617ec.html




















































