Governor appoints judge candidate to 13th Circuit Court

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Parson's office said Friday afternoon the Republican candidate running for 13th Circuit Court Division IV Judge was appointed to serve the rest of a vacated term.

Parson appointed Columbia attorney Josh Devine to the circuit court of Boone and Callaway counties after judge Jodie Asel announced her retirement last week because she reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. Asel's last day was Monday. Devine will serve out the rest of Asel's term, which ends Dec. 31.

Devine must be sworn in before hearing any cases. As of Friday afternoon, the swearing-in ceremony had not been scheduled.

Devine previously served as an associate circuit judge for the 13th Circuit in 2018. He also ran for associate circuit judge Division 11 in 2018 but lost to Democrat Stephanie Morrell.

The soon to be associate judge said the criminal justice system is in the spotlight around the country.

"There has never been a more important time for our work," Devine said. "The court needs to be impartial and make sure justice is served."

Devine is the lone Republican running for Division IV circuit judge in the Nov. 3 general election. Andy Hirth filed as a Democrat in the race.