My name is David F. McLeod, and I am running for the position of District Court judge in our Third Judicial District. Voters in the Third Judicial District will see this contested judicial race, as well as five others, on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The Third Judicial District includes the following counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona.

Voters in these counties will see six contested judicial races, including one contested seat in our Supreme Court. The five local judicial races include a contested race inHouston County, one in Mower County, two in Olmsted County  and finally the one in Wabasha County, which is the seat I am seeking.

From what I can tell, the three challengers for the judgeships in Mower County and Olmsted County are not actively campaigning. Candidate Tim Guth is actively campaigning against incumbent judge Carmaine Sturino; and I am actively campaigning against incumbent judge Terrence M. Walters. For voters desiring more information about these contested judicial races and the candidates, I recommend using the Minnesota Secretary of State’s extremely informative website (www.sos.state.mn.us). The main home page has a button entitled “Elections and Voting;” then, select “What’s on my ballot;” and, then select “Search candidate filings.”

Voters can also utilize a basic internet search by simply typing in the name of the candidate.

Minnesota’s constitution has always provided for judicial elections, and the Minnesota Supreme Court instructs us that our constitution does not prefer one method of selection over the other. Our constitution also provides that a judge stands for election every six years; however, if a judge leaves office during his or her term, the vacancy is filled by appointment of the governor.

If re-elected, Judge Terrence M. Walters will be required to retire before completing his term due to mandatory retirement at age 70. If that occurs, the governor will appoint the new judge — not the voters. Thus, voters have the opportunity to choose the next judge for Wabasha County and the Third Judicial District. Voters can learn more about me at mcleodjustice.us. While campaigning, I’ve heard many voters state “I never know anything about the candidates.” So, I urge voters to research the candidates in these judicial races, and make informed choices on Nov. 8.

David F. McLeod

Third Judicial District

candidate