Governor to appoint new district court judge

The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated three candidates for a district court judgeship created by the retirement of the Honorable Michael P. McHenry, effective October 1, 2026.  

Nominees David Michael Lipka, Lara Yoder Nafziger, and Kayla Michelle Wingard, all of Colorado Springs, were selected by the commission on August 12, 2026. 

Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from today, within which to appoint one of the nominees as district court judge for the 4th Judicial District (El Paso and Teller counties). Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at gov_judicialappointments@state.co.us. 

Contact information for the nominees: 

• David Michael Lipka. 320 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-867-2217 
• Lara Yoder Nafziger. 270 S. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-452-5400 
• Kayla Michelle Wingard. 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-452-5542 

For questions about this announcement, please contact the Colorado Supreme Court Clerk's Office at 720-625-5150.