Harry Montoya has been a Democrat and a Republican. The former Pojoaque School Board member and Santa Fe County Commissioner says he doesn’t feel like he fits into the mold of either party anymore and is now running as a member of the newly formed Forward Party in his campaign for Santa Fe County magistrate judge.

Montoya, who is facing Democrat Michael Roybal in the general election, joins the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse” for a conversation with Santa Fe New Mexican politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón on his background, his interest in the magistrate judge role and his decision to run as a Forward Party candidate.

Long in the political sphere, Montoya says a continued passion for public service has driven him to pursue the magistrate judge position. He discusses what the magistrate court is and shares his thoughts on what qualities a judge should bring to the job.

Montoya also talks about the Forward Party movement, saying he feels the party offers the opportunity to put narrow ideologies aside and work for progress for the people.