PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — The five judges up for election in Prince George’s County say ultimately experience, demeanor, and thorough vetting are critical to fulfilling the role on the counties’ circuit court bench.
This year, five seats on the circuit county bench are up for grabs, and rarely does the a slate of governor-appointed judges go contested, but this year two lawyers are also entering the race.
For the past fifty years, circuit court judges typically have gone through a rigorous vetting process to then be appointed by the Maryland governor to the bench. The new judge then serves as a judge of the circuit court until conclusion of the next general election, when they must stand for election.
The 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.
Learn more about the vetting process here
When asked what voters can glean from a judge who has gone through the vetting process and ultimately been appointed by a governor, the slate responded that voters can be assured that they have not only gained the approval of the governor and their appointing committee, but also their legal community. Other qualities voters should look for include the ability to listen and experience on the bench.
Listen here as the slate weighs in on what is takes to fill this role with 104.7 WONK FM's Jen Richer:
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