4th Judicial District To Get Another Judge

The 4th Judicial District will be getting another judge. House Republican Caucus Chairman and Representative Jeremy Faison along with the other area lawmakers made the announcement today that state funding has been approved to seat a new judge for the 4th judicial district. That district includes Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier Counties. According to a press release regarding funding for a new judge, there are six judges right now for the 4th judicial district that serve in circuit, criminal and chancery courts. However, according to 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 216,000 people across the four counties in the district. Faison, along with State Rep. Andrew Farmer of Sevierville and Rep. Rick Eldridge of Morristown, by adding a seventh judge, they will be able to better ensure accountability and justice for victims of crimes in the 4th district.

Once signed into law, Gov. Bill Lee will appoint a judge to serve beginning Sept. 1, then the judgeship will be elected in august 2026. The elected judge will hold office for four years, and then in 2030 would be elected for a full eight-year term.