When Minnesota Judges Face the Ballot Box
Most Minnesota judges hold their seats until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 or decide to step down on their own terms, making contested judicial elections a rare sight in the state. Out of 122 judicial races on the ballot this election cycle, only three are actually contested, MPR News reported.
“They typically hold those seats until they decide to retire or reach retirement age of 70,” said Peter Knapp, a professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. “That’s required by Minnesota law.”
Under Minnesota state law, specifically Section 480A.02 Subdivisions 2 and 4, judges must stand for election during a general or statewide election to secure a six-year term, whether they sit in at-large or congressional district seats. When a vacancy opens before that six-year term runs out, the sitting governor appoints a replacement. Contested races typically materialize only when a judge chooses to retire without finishing out the remainder of their elected term, creating an open seat where multiple candidates can file.
“It’s not as if this hasn’t happened before,” Knapp explained regarding judges who retire mid-term. “From time to time, judges decide to do that, and that’s a contested race that drew a couple of potential candidates.” One prominent example on this year’s ballot involves Judge Greg Galler from the 10th Judicial District.
The Three Districts on the Ballot
Voters across three specific regions of the state will see contested judicial races on their ballots this November, involving a mix of incumbent judges and challengers vying for six-year terms.
- 5th Judicial District: Covering 15 counties in southwest Minnesota, this race features incumbent judge Christina M. Wietzema facing a challenge from Christopher Cain.
- 9th Judicial District: Spanning 17 counties across northwestern Minnesota, incumbent judge Matthew R. Mallie is being contested by Henry C. Ambelang.
- 10th Judicial District: Encompassing eight counties in the northeast Twin Cities metro area, incumbent judge Greg Galler faces two challengers: Ben Lacy and Rebecca A. Waxse.
Requirements for State Judicial Office
Running for a state judicial seat in Minnesota requires meeting several strict statutory qualifications overseen by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Candidates must be eligible to vote in Minnesota, must not have filed for another office in the upcoming primary or general election, and must be at least 21 years old upon assuming office. Candidates must have maintained residency in Minnesota for at least one year prior to the general election and hold a valid license to practice law in the state.
“That doesn’t necessarily have to mean you have to pass the Minnesota bar,” Knapp noted. “It’s possible to pass bar in another state and become licensed in Minnesota.”
