FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 2, 2026
Contact: Maren Stewart
maren.stewart@state.mn.us
612-594-1721

Governor Walz Announces Upcoming Vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals 

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Walz announced a vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. This vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Michelle A. Larkin. The seat is designated for Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District. Governor Walz has asked a merit selection panel consisting of leadership in his administration, the chair of the Commission on Judicial Selection, and the at-large members of the commission to solicit applicants, review candidates, and recommend finalists for appointment. 

The panel 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. The Governor is seeking applicants who reflect Minnesota’s full diversity. 

The application process is now open for this vacancy. 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. Applicants must have resided in the Sixth Congressional District for at least one year to be eligible for appointment to this seat. Application materials are due by 4:00 pm on June 23 and should be addressed to Governor Walz. 

The judges on the Court of Appeals 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. 

For inquiries concerning the application process, please contact the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor at Judicial.Selection@state.mn.us. 

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