On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/OdffdVyI2hfpChMBEU1PGFxbWW6lzeCpxIkoz79rphmDYBgs4IbhsyHx-JiKMCHI8Z3RxHNLEJjhJKTJAY4MhKU89Zh7D1-decR0ZRJlI25VGT2sBo-ATy9WG57DEuObtS5NuWsCeqRd73dATKCYj3XP4VVerSVlDmMKRYpX_j8RlrBb79_uQXJd3Zxd5h7SfbNBGdWAQIuwqvy1d6UTbLAo4CumVCIP5kThfm-ZyarUWxK_QWTy1c9puGrKg73n">28th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Governor Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy.

The judicial vacancy will be created when District Judge Paul Hickman retires May 1.

The 28th Judicial District is composed of Ottawa and Saline counties.

After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice K.J. Wall as the nonvoting chair; David Stanley, Bennington; Lance Cochran, Robert German, Donald Merriman, Christine Ritter, and Russel Prophet, Salina; and Kathy Luthi, Soloman.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765237270187.jpeg" alt="28th Judicial District Court. Courtesy of Saline County" />
                        <figcaption>28th Judicial District Court. Courtesy of Saline County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Salina Post</i></p><p>On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/OdffdVyI2hfpChMBEU1PGFxbWW6lzeCpxIkoz79rphmDYBgs4IbhsyHx-JiKMCHI8Z3RxHNLEJjhJKTJAY4MhKU89Zh7D1-decR0ZRJlI25VGT2sBo-ATy9WG57DEuObtS5NuWsCeqRd73dATKCYj3XP4VVerSVlDmMKRYpX_j8RlrBb79_uQXJd3Zxd5h7SfbNBGdWAQIuwqvy1d6UTbLAo4CumVCIP5kThfm-ZyarUWxK_QWTy1c9puGrKg73n">28th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Governor Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy.</p><p>The judicial vacancy will be created when District Judge Paul Hickman retires May 1.</p><p>The 28th Judicial District is composed of Ottawa and Saline counties.</p><p><b>The nominees are:</b></p><ul>
                        <li>Alexander Driskell, Salina, associate attorney, Allen &amp; Associates, LLC</li><li>Michelle Martin, Solomon, attorney, community relations supervisor, Community and Development Services Department, City of Salina</li><li>Debra J.G. Wright, Beloit, district magistrate judge, Mitchell County, 12th Judicial District</li>
                    </ul><h2>Term of office</h2><p>After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.</p><h2>Nominating commission</h2><p>The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice K.J. Wall as the nonvoting chair; David Stanley, Bennington; Lance Cochran, Robert German, Donald Merriman, Christine Ritter, and Russel Prophet, Salina; and Kathy Luthi, Soloman.</p>

Salina attorney one of three final nominees to fill district judge vacancy position

Term of office

Nominating commission