Today, Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Albuquerque lawyer and former New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Paul Kennedy to the state Supreme Court.

Kennedy will replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Patricio Serna, who served on the court starting in 1996. He will face Democratic nominee Barbara Vigil in the Nov. 6 election.

Kennedy was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2002 but elected not to run.

More recently, Kennedy represented Martinez in redistricting lawsuits. His name also came up in connection with Pat Rogers, a lawyer and Republican National Committeeman who recently resigned his post at Albuquerque law firm Modrall Sperling after sending a controversial email to Kennedy and top governor's office staffers.

Here's the press release from the governor's office, via the Albuquerque Journal:

“Kennedy, a former Marine, has practiced law for 36 years. Early in his legal career, Kennedy served as a public defender in Albuquerque at both the state and federal levels. He then went on to build a successful private law practice handling both civil and criminal cases. In addition to his extensive trial experience,

He previously served on the state’s highest court in 2002. In 2005, Kennedy served as counsel to the bipartisan House special committee on impeachment of then state treasurer, Robert Vigil, who resigned before official impeachment proceedings and was later indicted. Kennedy was one of two individuals sent to the Governor for consideration by a judicial nominating commission.

“Mr. Kennedy brings a unique list of accomplishments to the bench. As a former Supreme Court Justice, a public defender, and an experienced trial and appellate lawyer, I’m certain that Mr. Kennedy will fairly and faithfully uphold the law on behalf of all New Mexicans,” said Governor Martinez.

Kennedy, who earned a Fulbright Scholarship, graduated with a degree in International Relations with a certificate in Latin American Studies from St. Joseph’s University and earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.”