Democrat Scott Evans has announced he is running for the newly created second Cole County associate circuit judge position.
This court is scheduled to start hearing cases in January.
Since graduating law school in 2010, Evans has made Jefferson City his home and has worked primarily in private practice, he said in a news release.
Evans owns the Law Office of Evans Crow Halcomb and has operated the firm since his partner, Tina Crow Halcomb's, passing in 2014.
Last year, he ran for Jefferson City prosecutor but lost to Gaylin Carver.
The court Evans is seeking to be elected to can hear several criminal matters, probate cases, domestic and family law matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and other civil cases, all of which Evans said he has extensive experience in through his current practice.
"I believe my experience in all matters heard before the associate circuit judge sets me apart from the other candidates for this position and makes me the right person to serve Cole County," Evans said. "My experience operating a small business will translate well to this position, allowing me to operate an efficient courtroom while remaining sensitive to the legal needs of all individuals. I understand the responsibility to render fair decisions quickly, applying nothing more than the letter of the law."
Four other Republican candidates filed to run in this race: Brian Stumpe, Todd Smith, Matt Willis and Tim Anderson.
The primary election is Aug. 4, and the general election is Nov. 3.