On February 17, 2026, Colorado Governor Jared Polis appointed Chief Judge Susan Blanco of the 8th Judicial District to the Colorado Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by Justice Melissa Hart’s retirement earlier this year. ([colorado.gov](https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-makes-appointment-colorado-supreme-court?utm_source=openai))
Judge Blanco, a Fort Collins native, has served as Chief Judge in Larimer and Jackson counties since 2017. Her tenure is marked by initiatives such as establishing a Competency Court to support individuals in the criminal justice system requiring mental health services. ([colorado.gov](https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-makes-appointment-colorado-supreme-court?utm_source=openai))
Governor Polis highlighted Judge Blanco’s qualities, stating, “When I think about Justice Blanco, a few words come to mind: innovation, excellence, creativity, hard work.” ([coloradosun.com](https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/17/susan-blanco-colorado-supreme-court/?utm_source=openai))
Judge Blanco expressed her commitment to the role, saying, “I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to serve on the Colorado Supreme Court. As a native Coloradan, a proud American woman of Middle Eastern heritage, and a Chief Judge, I have worked to strengthen the administration of justice across our state.” ([colorado.gov](https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-makes-appointment-colorado-supreme-court?utm_source=openai))
Before her judicial appointments, Judge Blanco’s career included roles as a deputy district attorney, defense attorney, and guardian ad litem. She earned her law degree from the University of Colorado Law School and an L.L.M. in Judicial Studies from Duke Law School in 2025. ([colorado.gov](https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-makes-appointment-colorado-supreme-court?utm_source=openai))
Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez welcomed the appointment, noting, “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated excellence, integrity, compassion, and innovation. We look forward to her contributions to the Court and to the people of Colorado.” ([colorado.gov](https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-makes-appointment-colorado-supreme-court?utm_source=openai))
Judge Blanco’s appointment follows a selection process initiated after Justice Hart’s retirement announcement in December 2025. The Supreme Court Nominating Commission interviewed candidates and forwarded three nominees to the governor, who had 15 days to make the appointment. ([coloradojudicial.gov](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/SupremeCourt_Nominees_February2026.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Judge Blanco’s diverse background and commitment to justice are expected to bring a valuable perspective to the Colorado Supreme Court.