Former Republican Cole County Prosecutor Mark Richardson has filed for election as Cole County's Division 3 circuit judge.
Richardson served three terms as Cole County prosecutor from 2007-18 until losing a re-election bid in 2018. Richardson also served four terms as Jefferson City municipal judge from 1999-2007.
Richardson began his law career at the Missouri Attorney General's Office in 1984 then served as an assistant prosecutor in the Cole County prosecutor's office from 1985-92. He was a private practice attorney through 2006.
"I will insist that cases be completed timely," Richardson said in his campaign announcement. "I have handled and tried many cases in the circuit court since 1985. These cases include civil and criminal cases. I have tried over 100 jury trials. I know first-hand the problems to each side that delay causes to people in civil cases and victims and defendants in criminal cases."
Richardson also said he would work to keep violent offenders off the streets.
"Too many times I have seen the terrible consequences of judges returning violent offenders to the streets by placing them on reduced bonds that failed to give the proper weight to the danger the person posed to the community," Richardson said. "I will consider all bond criteria fully and carefully. I will also weigh evidence if it exists which shows a repeat criminal has been placed out on bonds or probation and has continued committing multiple new crimes. I know that for the justice system to work, the criminals must be held accountable by a judge applying our community values."
Richardson said he would treat each case with "humility as a public servant. That will include treating attorneys and their clients courteously and with respect."
"As judge, I will apply the laws as they were originally written in a fair and impartial manner," Richardson said. "Those who appear before me will see by my handling of their case that I know it is the most important case in their lives, and my pledge to them and to the community is that I will treat it as such."
Cole County Associate Circuit Judge Cotton Walker is also running for this position as a Republican.
The primary election is Aug. 4, and the general election is Nov. 3.