The appointment of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals left a vacancy for the 19th Judicial Circuit Place that serves Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties.
Lewis had qualified as a Republican for reelection to circuit court for the November General Election. Now the Alabama State Republican Party has put Elmore County district court judge Patrick Pinkston on the ballot for circuit court.
Like Lewis, Pinkston is unopposed and will take office for a six-year term after the Nov. 8 election. Pinkston has primarily served Elmore County through family and juvenile courts.
“It has been a pleasure to serve alongside my dedicated juvenile probation staff over the last decade,” Pinkston said. “Helping the children and families of Elmore County as presiding juvenile judge has been both a privilege and an honor.”
According to state law, Place 1 of the 19th Circuit Court is to be filled by an Elmore County resident. The selection process started with the Elmore County Republican Party holding a nomination and interview process to make a suggestion to the state party. Pinkston has served the community for more than 28 years. He has been an Elmore County district court judge for more than 10 years. He has served as a special circuit court judge and was the presiding juvenile judge in Elmore County.
Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl believes Pinkston brings a lot of valuable experience and knowledge of the legal system.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Pinkston has consistently demonstrated a steadfast dedication to upholding the values of the Republican Party and the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” Wahl said in a release. “We are confident of his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law. He will ensure that all individuals receive fair and impartial treatment in circuit court,"
Pinkston will join circuit judges Amanda Baxley, Joy Booth and recently elected Dee Dee Calhoon on the 19th Judicial Circuit serving Elmore Autauga and Chilton counties.
“I look forward to working with the existing circuit judges in Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit,” Pinkston said. “I believe we will make a fine team.”