Stumpe running for Cole County circuit judge

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

An associate circuit judge who used to be Jefferson City's municipal judge is seeking a higher office.

Brian Stumpe filed Friday to run for the Circuit 19, Division 1 judgeship in Cole County, according to the Missouri Secretary of State's Office. Stumpe is the only person who has filed in the Republican primary for that seat.

No Democrats have filed.

Stumpe is ending his first term as associate circuit judge. In won a four-way primary in 2020 and defeated Democrat Scott Evans that November.

Stumpe appeared to be eyeing reelection to the associate circuit seat as recently as January -- his finance report filed that month lists it as the office sought.

The Division 1 seat is the only circuit position on the ballot in Cole County. It is currently held by Presiding Judge Jon Beetem.

Circuit judges in Missouri make $98,686 per year.