by Teresa Eubanks, CLJNews.com
Three candidates who have qualified to seek the office of Liberty County Judge in hopes of replacing long-term Liberty County Judge Ken Hosford won’t find their name on ballot this year.
The Liberty County Elections Office was notified by the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis that he will make an appointment instead.
“The rule is, if a vacancy comes up before qualifying ends, the governor can make an appointment,” said Liberty County Supervisor of Elections Grant Conyers. “That person will serve until the 2026 election.”
He explained that no judicial appointment can last less than year.
Candidates interested in the job have until March 25 to apply. The governor will then make an appointment within 60 days. The three candidates who had already qualified for that race include Jennifer Shuler, Elijah Bentley and Jackson Summers.
Until an appointment is made, Circuit Court Judges Ron Flury and David Frank will be overseeing cases coming through the county judge’s office.
Judge Hosford was the longest serving judge in Liberty County with over 27 years in office.
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