Update: After Charley Withdraws, Commission Chooses Pinto's Granddaughter

Monday, June 17, 2019 at 6:29 PM

On July 15, 2019, the San Juan County Commission met to nominate a new replacement and commissioners chose Pinto's granddaughter Shannon at the nominee. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will now choose between Shannon Pinto and the nominee from McKinley County, Carol Bowman Muskett, per state law.

July 16, 2019

Wallace Charley has removed his name from consideration to fill out the term of late New mexico State Senator John PInto from district 3.

On July 15, 2019, the San Juan County Commission met to nominate a new replacement and commissioners chose Pinto's granddaughter Shannon at the nominee.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will now choose between Shannon Pinto and the nominee from McKinley County, Carol Bowman Muskett, per state law.

From San Juan County:

Monday, June 17, 2019:

On Monday night at a special meeting of the San Juan County Commission, Commissioners chose Wallace Charley as nominee to New Mexico Senate District 3.
Upon the death of Senator John Pinto, a vacancy exists in New Mexico Senate District 3. District 3 is made up of precincts in both San Juan and McKinley Counties. According to New Mexico state law, a vacancy is filled by Governor’s appointment, from names submitted by the Board of Commissioners of each county. (NMSA 1978, Section 2-8D-4) The position will be subject to election on the November 2020 ballot. Commissioners solicited letters of interest and resumes from prospective nominees. The Commission received 13 submissions. One submission was disqualified due to an applicant not residing in the district. Monday’s special meeting was called in order to choose from applicants and make nomination to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham. Each applicant was given four minutes to speak before the Commission.
Wallace Charley is a former San Juan County Commissioner, serving from 2015 to 2018, and 1999 to 2006. Charley has also served as a Navajo Nation Council Delegate and New Mexico State Representative, each time representing the Shiprock area.
-

More from Local News

Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.
Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.
*Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:
90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.
Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Diné College Selects New President

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.