WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today applauded President Obama's nomination of Kenneth Gonzales to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. He would replace long-timeU.S. District Court Chief Judge Bruce D. Black, who retired in October.
Gonzales currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. Prior to his appointment, he served for more than ten years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in both the Las Cruces and Albuquerque branches. As an Adjunct Professor in the U.S. Army Reserves, Gonzales also teaches criminal law at the Judge Advocate General Legal Center & School.
"Ken Gonzales has been an outstanding U.S. Attorney and I believe he is an excellent candidate for U.S. District Court. His experience and temperament make him a great fit for the court," Bingaman said. "I hope Ken's confirmation process moves quickly in the new year so that he can be confirmed by the Senate in a timely manner."
"Throughout his career and in his military service to our country, Ken Gonzales has demonstrated great reverence for the law," said Udall. "His depth of knowledge and thoughtful approach will serve New Mexico well on the federal bench."
After Judge Black announced his retirement, the Senators solicited applicants from around the state for the position on the court. They forwarded five potential candidates to the White House.
