FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 9, 2026
Contact: Claire Lancaster
claire.lancaster@state.mn.us
651-219-2975

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Third Judicial District 

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District. This vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Ross L. Leuning. This seat will be chambered in Albert Lea in Freeborn County. 

The application process is now open for this vacancy. The commission is searching for fair, experienced, and civic-minded individuals to serve on the bench and offer their talents and services to Minnesota’s judicial system. Per statute, the commission will consider the following qualifications for judicial office: integrity, maturity, health (if job related), judicial temperament, legal knowledge, ability, experience, and community service. The commission is seeking applicants who reflect Minnesota’s full diversity.

Individuals wishing to apply may request an application by contacting the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor via e-mail at Judicial.Selection@state.mn.us. Application materials are due by 4:00 pm on January 30 and should be addressed to the chair of the commission, Erin Sindberg Porter. The commission expects to hold interviews in mid-February.  

The judges of the Third Judicial District have offered to provide informational interviews to prospective applicants. To request more information or for other inquiries about the application process, please contact the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor at Judicial.Selection@state.mn.us. 

For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor’s Judicial Appointments webpage.

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