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

Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.
Farmington to host Public Meeting on Data Centers

The meeting will be held from 6=8 p.m. on Wednesday, October, 21, 2026. Participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via an online submission form at farmingtonnm.gov/data-center. City staff will organize these inputs to ensure the most frequently asked questions are directly addressed during the main presentation.
APS Extends Life of Four Corners Power Plant

Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced it's decision to extend the operation of the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) beyond 2031. Navajo Transitional Energy Company's Navajo Mine provides the necessary coal for the operation of the plant and is positioned to meet the needs of FCPP well into the future.
Three Die in Newcomb area Flood

Two adults and a juvenile were found to have drowned and were pronounced deceased. The incident remains under investigation.
Assault Suspect Fatally Shot in Kirtland

Deputies made multiple commands to stop and drop the knife, however, the suspect ignored the commands and continued moving towards the deputies with the knife. A deputy discharged his sidearm, striking the suspect. Immediate life-saving aid was rendered to the suspect, but he ultimately died at the scene. The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation.
Former Dallas Cowboy Shiyazh Pete visits Alma Mater: Shiprock High School

Shiyazh Pete went on from Shiprock High to play college football at New Mexico State University and the University of Kentucky before signing and training with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He returned to Shiprock High School to share what he learned along the way and to encourage Chieftain students and athletes as they begin a new season.

On KSJE Now:

Radio Free Saturday Morning
9:00am - 11:00am

Tune in to discover new music and to revel in the more familiar, with no rules on genre, form, or novelty.
World Beat
11:00am - Noon
The Music Showcase
Noon - 1:00pm