Judges & courts
District Judge, 6th Judicial District
Division 1
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A district judge hears misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims and smaller civil cases, juvenile matters and probate in the district's counties. Nonpartisan.
Open seat: Judge Misty Miller is retiring at the end of her term (Messenger-Inquirer). Payne and Rogers were the top two of four candidates in the May 19, 2026 nonpartisan primary.
Public safety
J. Nick PayneNo party listed
No documented position found.
Lelah RogersNo party listed
- Supports treating juvenile gun violence as the most urgent issue
Courts & justice
J. Nick PayneNo party listed
- Pledges a more streamlined, efficient district court
- Pledges to follow the law as written
- Pledges to explain rulings to both sides
- Supports making juvenile justice a priority
Lelah RogersNo party listed
- Pledges to be a fair, prepared and impartial judge
- Supports balancing accountability with compassion
- Pledges that no one leaves court confused about rulings
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.