Your primary voter guide to Republican candidates for Sedgwick County District Court judge

Jacqueline Kelly, Jarrod Kieffer, Clark V. Owens and Joshua D. Wright are all running in the Republican primary to replace retiring Judge Patrick Walters in the 18th Judicial District Division 14.

It’s the only competitive Sedgwick County District Court judgeship primary, and no Democrats filed to run before the June deadline.

District judges hear a mix of criminal and civil cases, and state statute sets their salary at $114,813 a year.

The advance voting by mail process has begun, and advance in-person voting will get underway Monday, July 22, at the Sedgwick County Election Office in the historic courthouse at 510 N Main.

To help readers familiarize themselves with the judicial hopefuls, The Eagle asked each candidate to share some biographical details about themselves and to explain why they are running for the judgeship. Responses have only been edited stylistically for clarity.

Jacqueline Kelly

Age: 41

Occupation: Attorney

Past positions: Department of Defense Contractor, Sedgwick County Prosecutor (Juvenile Offender Criminal, Traffic, Civil Commitments), City Attorney for City of Bel Aire, City Attorney for City of Derby

Where did you earn your law degree? Washburn University School of Law

Phone: 316-749-8965

Email: jacikelly4judge@gmail.com

Website: www.kellyforjudge.org

Why are you running for this judge seat?

I am running for this judge seat because I recognize that the time is right for good, skilled people to contribute to our community. It brings to mind the verse from Esther 4:14, “...and who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This notion of duty, honor, country still rings true. The local courts are essential to keeping our community strong and healthy. With several current judges set to retire in the next decade, our community needs to elect the next generation of judges who are dedicated to upholding our foundational values. I have served in various leadership roles, including McConnell Honorary Commander and President of the Wichita Women’s Attorney Association, demonstrating a calm and focused temperament essential for fair and just rulings.

Jarrod Kieffer

Age: 44

Occupation: Attorney

Past positions: No answer provided.

Where did you earn your law degree? University of Kansas School of Law

Phone: 316-377-0436

Email: jarrodforjudge@gmail.com

Website: https://linktr.ee/jarrodforjudge

Why are you running for this judge seat?

I am running for Sedgwick County District Judge for two reasons. First, while I have enjoyed my time in private practice, I am ready to apply my knowledge and experience to the bench. I welcome the opportunity to give back to my community, and district court judgeship offers that.

Secondly, we need highly accomplished judges of various backgrounds on the bench. Most follow the path of government employment, meaning that only a narrow set of experiences inform the decisions that impact the county. I bring a unique and necessary perspective to the Sedgwick County bench.

I hope the residents of Sedgwick County share my view that we need the highest-quality attorneys serving, and will vote for me because they support highly qualified attorneys from a variety of backgrounds as judges.

Clark V. Owens

Age: 73

Occupation: District Judge Pro Tem

Past positions: District Court Judge 1991-2013, District Attorney 1981-1989

Where did you earn your law degree? Washburn University School of Law

Phone: 316-644-0941

Email: clarkowens@cox.net

Website: No answer provided.

Why are you running for this judge seat?

I served as a District Court Judge in Sedgwick County for 22 years, during which time I presided over 226 jury trials. In 2013, I took an early retirement at the age of 62. Shortly thereafter, I was asked by the Chief Judge of the court if I would like to work part-time as a District Court Judge Pro Tem. It started out as once or twice a month and quickly became at least five to seven times a month as it is today. I feel I can best serve the people of Sedgwick County if I return to the District Court bench full-time, and that is why I chose to run for another full term.

Joshua D. Wright

Age: 39

Occupation: Trial Attorney

Past positions: Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office / Sedgwick County Public Defender’s Office

Where did you earn your law degree? University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law

Phone: No answer provided.

Email: joshuadwright4judge@gmail.com

Website: No answer provided.

Why are you running for this judge seat?

I decided to run for this seat after gaining experience litigating for both sides. I truly enjoy the challenges the courtroom brings; my career has not been spent sitting at a desk far from the courtroom setting. As District Court Judge, I would bring a strong, experienced, and fair presence to the courtroom.

I have defended or prosecuted hundreds of very serious adult felony cases, almost on a daily basis. The stakes are high for the victims and accused alike. I’ve seen the importance of the role that a non-biased, fair and discerning trial judge contributes to the quality of the proceedings.

I feel my extensive courtroom experience trying cases to a jury will be essential in protecting the rights of all parties involved. It would truly be an honor to serve.