Governor Jared Polis announced three judicial appointments August 28, 2026, filling vacancies in the 4th and 17th Judicial Districts and the Larimer County Court in the 8th Judicial District.

Lara Y. Nafziger was appointed to the 4th Judicial District Court, effective October 1, 2026. The vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Michael P. McHenry. Nafziger has served as a Magistrate in the 4th Judicial District since 2019, handling juvenile, domestic, and criminal matters. She previously served as Lead Deputy Public Defender (2016-2019) and Deputy Public Defender (2008-2016) in the Colorado Springs Office of the Colorado State Public Defender. She earned her B.A. from the College of Wooster in 2000 and her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline University School of Law in 2008.

Thomas M. Ward was appointed to the 17th Judicial District Court, effective immediately. The vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Arturo G. Hernandez. Ward has served as a District Court Magistrate in the 20th Judicial District since 2023, with a docket of domestic and criminal matters, and has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado Law School since 2024. He was previously Owner at TM Ward, LLC (2012-2023). Ward earned his B.S. from the University of Maryland in 2003 and his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2012.

Leeah B. Lechuga was appointed to the Larimer County Court in the 8th Judicial District, effective October 1, 2026. The vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Kraig S. Ecton. Lechuga has served as a Deputy District Attorney in the 8th Judicial District Attorney's Office since 2023, focusing on criminal prosecution. Her prior experience includes Deputy District Attorney in the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office (2021-2023), Assistant Attorney General in the Human Services Unit at the Colorado Department of Law (2019-2021), Associate Attorney at the Denver City Attorney's Office (2016-2019), Attorney at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Timlin (2015-2016), and Law Clerk for the 18th Judicial District Court (2013-2015). Lechuga earned her B.J. from the University of Missouri in 2000 and her J.D. from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2013.