Judges & courts

Judge of the Porter Superior Court

No. 4

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 Porter County's trial courts.

Candidates Compare by issue

Heather A. McCarthy

Democratic

Attorney; Hobart city attorney

The gist

Pledges a fair, firm and respectful courtroom
Pledges attention to mental health in cases with vulnerable people
Pledges careful application of the law to everyone

More about Heather

View sources (3)

Pledges a fair, firm and respectful courtroom
Heather A. McCarthy for Porter County Superior Court 4 Judge
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Heather A. McCarthy · electmccarthy2026.com
“I will prioritize a fair, firm, and respectful courtroom where justice is served, offenders are held accountable, and victims are protected.”
Pledges attention to mental health in cases with vulnerable people
About Heather A. McCarthy
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Heather A. McCarthy · electmccarthy2026.com
“That experience continues to shape how I approach cases, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals and mental health considerations.”
Pledges careful application of the law to everyone
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Porter County Superior Court 4
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I have focused on doing the work the right way by applying the law carefully and treating every person fairly.”

Christopher A. Buckley

RepublicanIncumbent

Judge, Porter Superior Court 4

The gist

Pledges a firm and fair approach to all litigants
Supports evidence-based mental health problem-solving courts

More about Christopher

View sources (2)

Pledges a firm and fair approach to all litigants
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Porter County Superior Court 4
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“to my firm and fair approach on the bench with respect to all litigants”
Supports evidence-based mental health problem-solving courts
Keep Buckley Judge: Porter County Superior Court 4
Campaign website · Committee to Re-elect Judge Buckley · buckley4judge.com
“bringing compassion and evidence-based solutions to those who need it most”

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; 2 issues covered in this race.