DENVER - Today, Governor Polis appointed 8th Judicial District Chief Judge Susan Blanco to the Colorado Supreme Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Melissa Hart. The appointment is effective immediately.
“Our Constitution is the bedrock of our democracy and protects our fundamental freedoms. The Justices of our Colorado Supreme Court have the weighty task of upholding our Constitution and the rule of law. Our courts are also a key part of making Colorado one of the ten safest states. Today, I’m excited to appoint Susan Blanco to serve as the newest Justice on the Colorado Supreme Court. Throughout her almost decade on the bench, Justice Blanco has created a track record of serving with compassion, justice, and innovation, and I am confident she will be a thoughtful, fair, and forward-thinking justice on our highest court. I look forward to her contributions to strong leadership of the judicial branch to help achieve operational excellence in our courts across the state,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Blanco is Governor Polis’s second appointment to the Colorado Supreme Court. Governor Polis appointed Justice Berkenkotter in 2020. The Colorado Supreme Court has seven Justices.
“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. I bring a long record of innovative leadership within the judicial branch and a deep commitment to expanding access to justice for all. I pledge to serve with integrity, independence, and an unwavering dedication to equal justice for every Coloradan,” said Supreme Court appointee Susan Blanco.
Chief Judge Susan Blanco brings nearly ten years of judicial experience to this role, including most recently serving as Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial District in Larimer and Jackson Counties. In the 8th Judicial District, Chief Judge Blanco has created an evidence-based team to better serve veterans and a Competency Court to better support individuals in the criminal justice system who need mental health services. Chief Judge Blanco chairs the Pathways to Access and Information Technology Committees.
“On behalf of the Court, we thank the Supreme Court Nominating Committee for sending the Governor three stellar nominees, each of whom would be an incredible addition to our bench,” said Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez. “We are delighted to welcome Justice-designate Blanco as our newest colleague. 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.”
Prior to serving on the bench, Judge Blanco was the owner of Blanco Law Office (2008-2017); Contract Attorney for Alternate Defense Counsel (2007-2016); Guardian ad Litem for the Office of the Child’s Representative (2008-2016); Town Attorney for Timnath (2009-2016); Associate at the Law Office of Andrew Bertrand (2007-2008); and Deputy District Attorney for the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office (2004-2007). Judge Blanco earned her B.S. from Colorado State University in 2000, her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2003, and her L.L.M. in Judicial Studies from Duke Law School in 2025.
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