New Mexico Eleventh Judicial District Court, Division VIII
Background Stephen M. Wayne is a district court judge in Division VIII of the New Mexico Eleventh Judicial District Court, based in Aztec, San Juan County. He presides over general jurisdiction cases including criminal, civil, family, and domestic matters. He has deep roots in the Four Corners area.
Prior Experience Wayne previously served as a municipal judge and practiced law in Farmington. He also worked in public defender roles earlier in his career, including in Kentucky, and coached high school soccer.
Appointment & Current Role A registered Republican, he was appointed to the bench in May 2024 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to replace retiring Judge Karen Townsend and was sworn in shortly thereafter.
He has introduced criminal mediation and settlement conferences in the Eleventh Judicial District.
Election Status He is running in the 2026 election cycle. The Republican primary is scheduled for June 2, 2026, and the general election for November 3, 2026.
Sources / Links:
- Eleventh Judicial District Court Judges: https://eleventhdistrict.nmcourts.gov/about-this-district/district-courts/san-juan-county-aztec-farmington-district-court/
- Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Stephen_M._Wayne_(New_Mexico_11th_Judicial_District_Court_Division_8,_New_Mexico,_candidate_2026)
- Tri-City Record (Appointment): https://www.tricityrecordnm.com/articles/farmington-attorney-appointed-as-judge-in-eleventh-judicial-district-court/
- Keep Judge Wayne Campaign: https://www.facebook.com/keepjudgewayne/
- NM Courts Directory and Proposed Text Documents




















































