Walker leads District Judge race

Posted

Mindy Walker is leading the race for District Court Judge, according to preliminary election results released at 8 p.m. Nov. 6 by the Jefferson County Auditor's Office.

Walker, with 9,135 votes cast, or 58.16 percent, likely will succeed current District Judge Jill Landes, who has been in that position since 2007. Noah Harrison trailed behind with 6,572 votes cast, or 41.84 percent.

The official tallies will be updated and officially certified Nov. 27.

Walker, who was cheered by the gathered audience of over 20 individuals at the County Courthouse when the results were announced at 8 p.m., was all smiles when she heard the initial returns.

“I am very grateful for the outpouring of support from my family, friends and community members,” Walker said. “I could not have run the successful campaign without the energy, time and many talents of my supporters … each and every person who wrote a letter, hosted a meet and greet, door-belled with me, and volunteered or contributed to my campaign.”

Walker said she is “very excited to serve Jefferson County as the next Jefferson County District Court Judge. I am looking forward to a smooth transition and working relationship with the court staff.”

Walker said her major goals will be to clarify and organize office policies and procedures ensure fairness and equity.

“I will address the appearance of fairness with policies on use of pro tem judges, writing opinion memorandums and providing better access to justice, including for community members living in the West End of Jefferson County,” she said. “I will collaborate with providers to supplement mental health therapeutic courts and providing additional training for staff around trauma-informed care.”

Harrison did not respond to a request for comment about the initial results before press time on Nov. 6.