The Minnesota Judicial Branch has announced the election results for chief judges and assistant chief judges across six of its ten judicial districts. These elections occur in even-numbered years for even-numbered districts and odd-numbered years for odd-numbered districts. This year, a special election was held in the 7th Judicial District following Governor Tim Walz's appointment of Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy to the Supreme Court.
State law mandates that chief judges manage administrative tasks within their district courts, including judge assignments. Additionally, each district's chief judge is part of the Minnesota Judicial Council, which sets administrative policies for the state's judicial branch.
Judges are elected to two-year terms by their peers within each district. A judge may not serve more than two consecutive terms as either chief or assistant chief judge. The newly elected judges will begin their terms on July 1, 2024.
In Ramsey County, Sara R. Grewing was elected as Chief Judge and Kelly Olmstead as Assistant Chief Judge. This marks the first time two women have jointly held these leadership roles in Ramsey County; Judge Grewing is also noted as the fourth female chief judge there.
Kerry W. Meyer and Mark J. Kappelhoff were elected as Chief Judge and Assistant Chief Judge respectively in another district, while Leslie Beiers and Rachel Sullivan were selected for similar positions elsewhere.
Following Gov. Walz's appointment of former 7th District Chief Judge Sara Hennesy to the Supreme Court, Michael Fritz moved into the role of Chief Judge in a special election this year with Shan Wang becoming Assistant Chief Judge. They will complete the remaining term until bi-annual elections resume in 2025.
Elizabeth Strand has been named Chief Judge and Sean Gibbs Assistant Chief Judge in another district; notably, Strand is recognized as the first female chief judge to serve her district.
Elections for other districts are scheduled to take place later this year.