The Judicial Nominating Commission submitted recommendations on June 2 to fill vacancies in the State Courts of Candler and Sumter Counties, as well as the Superior Courts of the Alcovy, Houston, and Southern Judicial Circuits. The vacancies arose due to resignations and a passing among sitting judges.
According to the commission, the vacancy in Candler County State Court was created by the resignation of Judge J. Kendall Gross, while Sumter County’s vacancy followed the passing of Judge William Rambo. The Superior Court vacancies in Alcovy, Houston, and Southern Judicial Circuits were due to resignations from Judges W. Kendall Wynne Jr., Edward D. Lukemire, and Brian McDaniel, respectively.
Governor Kemp will select appointees from among those recommended by the commission. The Governor’s Office is responsible for contacting candidates to arrange interviews.
For Candler County State Court, Brent C. Carter—founding partner at CarterFranklin LLP—and Gabriel “Gabe” T. Cliett—Chief Judge of Magistrate Court of Candler County—were recommended. For Sumter County State Court, Justin R. Arnold—partner at Arnold & Hooks LLC—and Patrick B. Calcutt—managing shareholder at Calcutt & Calcutt P.A.—were named.
Recommendations for Superior Courts include Destiny H. Bryant (Associate Judge in Newton County Probate and Magistrate Court) and Randy McGinley (District Attorney for Alcovy Judicial Circuit) for Alcovy; Eric Z. Edwards (District Attorney for Houston Judicial Circuit) and Kellye C. Moore (partner at Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore LLP) for Houston; W. Michael Burnham II (partner/trial lawyer at Dodd & Burnham Trial Attorneys) and Andrew W. Pope (Solicitor-General of Thomas County; owner/managing attorney at Andrew W Pope P.C.) for Southern Judicial Circuit.
The Governor’s selections will follow scheduled interviews with these candidates.
