Leadership You Can Trust
Thank you for your continued support and friendship throughout my years of service and during this campaign to once again serve as your Sheriff. For nearly three decades, I’ve dedicated my life to protecting the people of San Juan County and upholding both justice and your constitutional rights—even when doing so meant standing apart from the administration in power. I have always believed that past performance is the best predictor of future service. Each time I campaigned for office, I stood on my own record — not on endorsements — because I believe leadership should be earned, not inherited. But today, law enforcement across New Mexico is facing one of the most challenging periods in our history. Recruitment is at record lows; violent crime is rising, and officers are leaving the profession in unprecedented numbers. Policies that weaken accountability for criminals and strip protections from our officers have made every shift more dangerous. In our own county, we’ve seen more than 30 police-involved shootings—and statewide, over 350 in just a few years. New Mexico now ranks second in the nation for violent attacks against law enforcement officers. Despite these challenges, I believe we can turn this around. With President Trump back in office and the chance to elect a strong conservative Governor, now is the time to restore
leadership, discipline, and integrity to law enforcement in our state. As your Sheriff, I will focus on: Targeting repeat offenders and holding them accountable. Protecting the brave men and women who protect all of us. Rebuilding trust and safety within our community.
Rebuilding a proactive and not reactive Sheriff’s Office. Our state is ready for change. Our county is ready for
renewal. Together, we can make San Juan County safer, support our deputies, and bring real law enforcement back to
the people. Vote Ken Christesen for Sheriff — proven leadership you can trust.
— Ken Christesen
Leadership in Action
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Meet Ken Christesen
Why his Experience Matters
Kenneth Wayne Christesen has called San Juan County home since 1973. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, he chose to build his life and career in this community because of its people, its land, and its values. From the mountains to the desert, Ken believes San Juan County is a special place worth protecting.
Ken served 29 years in law enforcement, beginning as a volunteer reserve deputy before being hired full-time in 1990. After 20 years of full-time service, he retired to run for Sheriff—serving two terms as the elected Sheriff of San Juan County. His career was built on accountability, collaboration, and earning the trust of both deputies and citizens.
Experience & Leadership
Leadership Philosophy
Ken’s leadership philosophy is simple: protect the deputies so they can protect the community. He believes strong law enforcement, fair policies, and accountability at every level are essential to public safety.
Former Sherriff
San Juan County
Throughout his career, Ken worked closely with local, state, and federal agencies, including the DEA, ATF, and FBI. He also served as President of the New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association for three terms, representing counties across the state while always keeping San Juan County his top priority.
29 years in Law Enforcement
Ken began his career as a volunteer reserve deputy before being hired full-time in 1990. Over 29 years of service, he built a reputation for hard work, integrity, and doing what is right for victims, deputies, and the community.
What Ken Will Focus On.
Public Safety & Accountability
Ken believes public safety starts with accountability. He supports strong, professional law enforcement practices that protect citizens, hold offenders responsible, and ensure transparency at every level of the Sheriff’s Office.
Supporting Deputies & Staffing
A well-supported department is a safer department. Ken is committed to protecting deputies, rebuilding staffing levels, and ensuring officers have the resources, training, and leadership needed to serve the community effectively.
Combating Drug Trafficking
San Juan County has faced serious challenges related to methamphetamine and fentanyl. Ken will focus on proactive enforcement, strong interagency cooperation, and proven strategies that remove dangerous drugs and repeat offenders from the streets.
Victims’ Rights & Justice
Victims deserve to be heard, respected, and protected. Ken believes law enforcement has a duty to pursue justice fully and to provide accountability and closure for victims and their families.
Community Trust & Transparency
Strong communities are built on trust. Ken is committed to open communication, fair policing, and working alongside citizens to keep San Juan County safe for families, businesses, and future generations.
Ken Christesen’s leadership is guided by faith, integrity, and service. A Christian, Ken believes in God, country, and family—and that a person’s word means everything. Throughout his career, integrity and honesty have never been negotiable.
Ken believes in hard work and doing what is right, even when it isn’t easy. As a detective, he spent countless unpaid hours working cases because victims and their families deserved justice. He has always believed that when someone is harmed, law enforcement has a duty to do everything possible to bring accountability and closure.
A Vote for Ken is a Vote for San Juan County.
Answering the Call to Serve
After retiring, Ken took time to step away—but soon realized his work was not finished. At the request of current and retired deputies and concerned citizens seeking experienced, fair leadership, Ken made the decision to run again.
San Juan County has faced decades of challenges related to methamphetamine and, more recently, fentanyl. Ken believes catch-and-release policies only create more victims and fail both the community and those struggling with addiction. His approach focuses on protecting deputies, rebuilding staffing levels, targeting repeat offenders, and working across agencies to keep dangerous individuals off the streets.
How You Can Support
There are many ways to support our campaign—sharing our message, volunteering, and, if you feel led, contributing financially. Every act of support makes a difference, and we’re thankful for your encouragement and involvement.
Please make checks payable to:
Committee to Elect Ken Christesen
PO Box 1535
Kirtland, NM 87417
