It’s back to the ballot. In November, voters will choose between a Republican and a Democratic candidate to fill the seat on the 26th Judicial Circuit Court to replace Judge Greg Kays, who resigned to take a seat on the federal bench. Until then the circuit has one sitting judge for the five counties.
Members of the Republican judicial committee for the 26th Circuit will meet next week to take applications and interviews for the open seat on the bench. They will then make a recommendation to the governor of their choice to run in the November election.
The meeting is scheduled for July 29 at 7 p.m. at the Camden County Courthouse in the upstairs conference room. Representatives from all five counties within the circuit will be attending to interview candidates. Any qualified candidate interested in running is asked to contact Susie Johnson at 573-374-9622 or Jim Jauret at 573-345-4128.
It will be the third time since 2004 voters in the circuit have elected a new judge. Kays replaced former judge Mary Dickerson after she passed away. He was later joined on the bench by Judge Stanley Moore, after former judge James Franklin announced his retirement. Franklin passed away before the end of his term.
Contact this reporter at joycem@lakesunleader.com