Boone County judge planning run for circuit judge seat
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -
A Boone County associate circuit judge is eyeing a run for a mid-Missouri circuit judge next year.
Judge Stephanie Morrell filed paperwork on Wednesday with the Missouri Ethics Commission to run for the Division 3 seat in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers felony criminal cases and some civil matters in Boone and Callaway counties.
Morrell, running as a Democratic candidate, said she felt her 20 years of public service in the Boone County court system has prepared her to make the move to the circuit court level. Voters elected Morrell to the Division 11 seat in 2018 and 2022. She previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Boone County.
Judge Kevin Crane currently holds the Division 3 seat. Crane, a Republican, told ABC 17 News he has not announced anything publicly yet on his future.
Circuit judges serve six-year terms. Crane ran unopposed in 2018. Morrell had $94.25 in her campaign account as of the last MEC report on Oct. 5.
Along with the Division 3 seat, voters in Boone and Callaway counties will elect the Division 1 judge as well. Circuit Judge Brouck Jacobs, who currently holds the seat, told ABC 17 News he planned on running for another term in 2024.
Jefferson City-based attorney and Columbia resident Jesus Osete has also filed MEC paperwork to run for a circuit judge seat in the 13th Circuit. Osete, a Republican, did not respond to ABC 17 News to say which division he planned on running for.
