Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed former prosecutor and civil rights defender Sam Bregman as the Second Judicial District attorney.

Bregman replaces Raul Torrez, who won the election to be the state’s attorney general.

“A former prosecutor with extensive experience in litigation and case oversight, Sam Bregman will bring a fresh perspective to the Second Judicial District attorney’s office,” Lujan Grisham said in a news release. “I am confident that he will serve as a dedicated and effective district attorney focused on improving public safety and supporting the people of Bernalillo County.”

According to the release, Bregman has three decades of trial experience and has been a part of several high-profile cases over the years. Among these notable cases was his representation of Keith Sandy, one of the two Albuquerque Police Department officers who faced charges for the fatal shooting of homeless man James Boyd in 2014.

He also represented the family of Amelia Baca, who was shot and killed by a Las Cruces police officer in April of 2022. Bregman previously served as an assistant district attorney for the Second Judicial District and as deputy state auditor for New Mexico.

“I am honored to be appointed as Second Judicial District attorney,” Bregman said in the release. “I realize the great responsibility of the role and am committed to relentlessly pursuing justice for the residents of Bernalillo County.”

Bregman will serve the remaining two years of the existing term and, according to the release, not run for re-election to the office. His primary focus is working to combat crime and build stronger safer communities.

 “I look forward to joining the hardworking staff of the DA’s office and will prioritize fully staffing the office to support their ongoing critical work,” Bregman said. “Together we will serve the people of central New Mexico and deliver real results and improve public safety.”