Michael Roybal has worked in the courts for more than a decade, spending time at both the Santa Fe County Magistrate Court and the First Judicial District Court. He’s served as a court clerk, court monitor and a pretrial services officer, and now he’s vying to earn a spot in a judge’s seat.

Roybal, a Democrat and a 2008 Santa Fe High graduate, is running against Forward Party candidate Harry Montoya to be a Santa Fe County magistrate judge. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Roybal joins Santa Fe New Mexican politics reporter Clara Bates to discuss his background and share his reasons for running.

Working in the courts since 2014, Roybal says his roles in the court system have allowed him to see the problems that plague the community. He also talks about his family’s interactions with the judicial system his firsthand experience of seeing how drugs can impact a family. Roybal says if elected he would work to get people with substance and behavioral health issues the treatment they need while also holding people accountable for their actions.

Roybal also talks about his involvement with the JB White Foundation, which helps raise awareness about gun violence among youth and puts on youth basketball tournaments.

Michael Roybal has worked in the courts for more than a decade, spending time at both the Santa Fe County Magistrate Court and the First Judicial District Court. He&rsquo;s served as a court clerk, court monitor and a pretrial services officer, and now he&rsquo;s vying to earn a spot in a judge&rsquo;s seat.
Roybal, a Democrat and a 2008 Santa Fe High graduate, is running against Forward Party candidate Harry Montoya to be a Santa Fe County magistrate judge. In the latest episode of the &ldquo;Around the Roundhouse&rdquo; podcast, Roybal joins Santa Fe New Mexican politics reporter Clara Bates to discuss his background and share his reasons for running.
Working in the courts since 2014, Roybal says his roles in the court system have allowed him to see the problems that plague the community. He also talks about his family&rsquo;s interactions with the judicial system his firsthand experience of seeing how drugs can impact a family. Roybal says if elected he would work to get people with substance and behavioral health issues the treatment they need while also holding people accountable for their actions.
Roybal also talks about his involvement with the JB White Foundation, which helps raise awareness about gun violence among youth and puts on youth basketball tournaments.

The Santa Fe New Mexican’s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

The Santa Fe New Mexican&rsquo;s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chac&oacute;n features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

Around the Roundhouse

The Santa Fe New Mexican&rsquo;s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chac&oacute;n features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.