Oregon governor appoints new Columbia County Circuit Court Judge

A Columbia County Deputy District Attorney has been appointed as Columbia County’s newest Circuit Court Judge.

Gov. Tina Kotek announced the appointment of Nickolas A. Brajcich to fill a vacancy created by outgoing Judge Cathleen Callahan, according to a press release sent Tuesday, June 25. Callahan’s retirement took effect May 31, and Brajcich will serve through 2026.

Circuit Court judges typically are selected through nonpartisan elections for 6-year terms. However, according to the Oregon Constitution, the governor appoints judicial vacancies in state circuit courts, courts of appeal, the state supreme court, justice of the peace and district attorneys.

The appointment is effective immediately.

“I’m very excited about the appointment," Brajcich said. "I’m very honored that I was able to earn that appointment from the governor. There were a lot of qualified candidates that applied.”

Brajcich, who is a graduate of Clatskanie High School, continued, “I loved my time working for the county, and working for the DA’s office out here …This is my county, I love this county. I love the people of this county. It has been an honor serving them for the last ten years.”

Brajcich has established community relationships with law enforcement, substance abuse treatment providers and mental health treatment providers, the release stated.

The retiring Callahan was elected Nov. 4, 2014. In the general election that year, Callahan defeated appointed judge Jean Marie Martwick, gathering a little over 54% of the vote. Before joining the bench, Callahan worked on civil cases and was also, at one time, prosecutor for the city of Clatskanie.

Brajcich told the Spotlight he expects to be on the November ballot this fall.