Northern Colorado's Chief Judge Elevated to Colorado Supreme Court

Governor Jared Polis appointed 8th Judicial District Chief Judge Susan Blanco to the Colorado Supreme Court on February 17, 2026, effective immediately, filling the vacancy created by Justice Melissa Hart's retirement.

The appointment leaves a key leadership vacancy in the 8th Judicial District. Under Colorado Judicial Branch rules, the Chief Justice appoints the chief judge of each of the state's 23 judicial districts.

As chief judge of the 8th Judicial District, which serves Larimer and Jackson counties, Blanco created an evidence-based team to serve veterans and established a Competency Court to support individuals in the criminal justice system who need mental health services.

"Throughout her almost decade on the bench, Justice Blanco has created a track record of serving with compassion, justice, and innovation, and I am confident she will be a thoughtful, fair, and forward-thinking justice on our highest court," Governor Polis said in a statement.

She is Polis's second appointment to the seven-justice Colorado Supreme Court; Justice Berkenkotter was his first in 2020.

"I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to serve on the Colorado Supreme Court," Blanco said. "I bring a long record of innovative leadership within the judicial branch and a deep commitment to expanding access to justice for all."

Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez said the Court was "delighted to welcome Justice-designate Blanco as our newest colleague."

Blanco earned her LL.M. in Judicial Studies from Duke Law School in 2025.