Judges & courts

Judge of the LaPorte Superior Court

No. 3

Vote for: 1
Term: 6 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A superior court judge presides over civil and criminal cases in LaPorte County's trial courts.

Candidates Compare by issue

James M. (Jim) Macalka

Democratic

Attorney; deputy public defender · La Porte

The gist

Supports evaluations and services addressing defendants' underlying issues
Supports pretrial services for misdemeanor defendants
Opposes party affiliation as a factor in choosing judges

More about James

View sources (2)

Supports evaluations and services addressing defendants' underlying issues
Macalka running for judge of Superior Court 3
News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com
“In appropriate cases, courts may also consider evaluations or services designed to address underlying issues while matters are pending”
Supports pretrial services for misdemeanor defendants
Candidates share motivations for pursuing judicial seats
News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com
“it really upsets me ... that we don't have pre-trial services on the front end”
Opposes party affiliation as a factor in choosing judges
Macalka running for judge of Superior Court 3
News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com
“he does not believe party affiliation is, nor should be, a relevant factor in selecting or voting for a judge”

Kurt R. Earnst

Republican

Federal community defender, Northern District of Indiana · La Porte

The gist

Pledges strict adherence to the law and respect for all
Pledges to prioritize the La Porte Veterans Treatment Court

More about Kurt

View sources (2)

Pledges strict adherence to the law and respect for all
Earnst announces candidacy for judge of Superior Court 3
News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com
“a strict adherence to the law and a solemn vow that all that come before the court must be treated with dignity”
Pledges to prioritize the La Porte Veterans Treatment Court
Earnst advances to general election in judge race
News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com
“That's something very near and dear to my heart, so I will be jumping in on both feet to make sure that program continues”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 1 issue covered in this race.