Judge Crystal Lees
Judge Crystal Lees was appointed to the Second Judicial District Court’s Family Division by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in January 2025, after being recommended by the Bi-Partisan Judicial Nominating Commission. She replaces Judge Debra Ramirez who retired. Crystal must now run in the 2026 election to keep her seat on the court and to continue working for us.
Before joining the bench, she served as a Domestic Relations Hearing Officer for the Second Judicial District Court, presiding over cases involving child custody, divorce, child support, and domestic violence.
Judge Lees brings a decade of legal experience, including work in private practice and with the State of New Mexico Human Services Division in the Child Support Endorcement Division. Born in Albuquerque, and a proud graduate of Sandia High School, the University of New Mexico, and Texas Tech University School of Law, she is committed to fairness, integrity, and service to the people of Bernalillo County.
My Commitment to You
"As your Family Court Judge, I am committed to upholding fairness and integrity in every case, ensuring decisions are guided by the law and the facts. I know how deeply these cases impact the lives of children and families, and I approach each matter with compassion, respect, and a focus on the best interests of those involved." - Judge Crystal Lees
The Second Judicial District Court’s Family Division addresses some of the most personal and challenging legal issues, ranging from child custody and support to domestic violence and guardianship, and provides resources like the Family Court Clinic to help families resolve conflict constructively. Crystal's goal is to ensure our court remains a place where families can access justice, find resolution, and trust that their voices will be heard.
Second Judicial District Family Court
The Second Judicial District Court serves Bernalillo County and is one of the busiest courts in New Mexico, with 30 judges handling cases in civil, criminal, family, and children’s court. In the Family Division, judges hear matters that directly impact the well-being and stability of children and families. Judge Lees’ work helps ensure that these cases are handled fairly, efficiently, and with compassion for the people involved.
2026 Election
Crystal must now run in the 2026 election cycle to keep her seat on the Second Judicial District Court and to continue working for us. The campaign will begin collecting petition signatures to qualify for the ballot & $5-Public-Financing Qualifying contributions to qualify for public financing, in October 2025. Sign up here to volunteer to help keep Crystal working for us.
The Committee to Keep Judge Lees is pursuing public financing to keep big-money out of judicial races. We are able to collect small grassroots donations of up to $100 per donor from NM-registered voters. You can contribute here.
The Primary Election will be held June 2, 2026. The General Election will be held November 3, 2026. Voters in Bernalillo County can vote for Crystal.