Judith Nakamura

New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Judith Nakamura was sworn in Wednesday as the court’s new chief justice.

Nakamura, 56, was appointed to the state’s highest court by Gov. Susana Martinez in 2015. Nakamura then defeated Democrat Michael E. Vigil in the 2016 general election to retain the position, making her the first Republican elected to the court in 36 years.

As chief justice, Nakamura will take on court administrative duties, oversee court hearings and conferences, and serve as an advocate for the high court. She was elected by her four colleagues on the court, two men, and two women, none of whom are Republicans.