22 Missourians Apply To Become Next Missouri Supreme Court Judge

A statewide commission is interviewing 22 candidates who are interested in becoming the next Missouri Supreme Court judge, including one promenient area politician.

Missouri Supreme Court Judge George Draper the Third is retiring next month – leaving a spot to fill on the high court. The Appellate Judicial Commission plans to interview the 22 candidates on August 21 and 22.

Some of the noteworthy names include State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville and Chris Limbaugh, current Cole County Associate Circuit Judge and Governor Mike Parson’s former legal counsel. Another familiar name is Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Sarah Castle, who was appointed by the governor and led Parson’s swearing-in ceremony in 2021 to continue serving as governor.

After interviews wrap up on August 22, the commission is expected to select three nominees from the pool to forward to the governor. Then Governor Parson will decide which one will fill the high court vacancy.