Judicial Nominating Commission announces vacancy in Circuit Court, Third Judicial District (Sweetwater County)

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden of the Wyoming Supreme Court, who chairs the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), announced today a judicial opening in the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial District.

The judicial vacancy will occur due to the resignation of Circuit Court Judge Craig L. Jones, effective March 7, 2026. The position is located in Rock Springs and is one of two circuit courts serving Sweetwater County. Wyoming's circuit courts decide cases involving traffic tickets, protection orders, misdemeanor crimes, eviction actions, small claims complaints, and civil actions resulting in damages less than $50,000.

The JNC will accept expressions of interest from qualified individuals until 5:00 p.m. MST on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. The new judge will be sworn in no later than May 18, 2026. Required forms and instructions on applying are available on the Wyoming Judicial Branch's website. Under Wyoming law, to serve as a circuit court judge, an individual must be a resident of the state and be licensed to practice law in Wyoming.

The JNC encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Successful candidates will have proven relevant experience, a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, a collegial and impartial temperament, sound critical thinking and decision-making abilities, a service-oriented mindset, and a reputation for fairness, integrity, and leadership.

Following interviews and a review of the submitted materials, the JNC will submit a list of three names to the governor, who will appoint an individual from that list.

Information about the JNC, its members and Wyoming's judicial selection process is available on the Branch's website.