PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — For the past 50 years, electing circuit court judges has been a matter of formality in Prince George's County. The judges typically are appointed by the Maryland governor after completing a rigorous application and vetting process, then are elected to the bench in the general election by the citizens of the county. This year however, two lawyers are challenging the slate of five judges up for election.
Since 1970, circuit court judges typically have gone through a rigorous vetting process to then be appointed by the Maryland governor to the bench. The judge new judge then serves as a judge of the circuit court until conclusion of the next general election, when they must stand for election. This year, those five judges running as a slate are Judge Bryon Bereano, Judge Wytonja Curry,Judge ShaRon Grayson Kelsey, Judge Jared McCarthy, and running for re-election Judge Cathy Hollenberg Serrette.
The two lawyers challenging their seat on the bench are April Ademiluyi and Gladys Weatherspoon. Elections are June 2, 2020 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be an election by mail.
Listen to the slate speak on the importance of the vetting process with 104.7 WONK FM’s Jen Richer here:
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