Honorable John W. Broomes Named Chief U.S. District Judge, Effective September 1, 2025

The Honorable John W. Broomes is named Chief Judge of the United States District Court, District of Kansas, effective Monday, September 1, 2025. Chief Judge Broomes was appointed to the federal bench in 2018, transitioning from his role at the Hinkle Law Firm LLC, where his primary area of practice was oil and gas law. Chief Judge Broomes received a Bachelor of Science degree with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1991. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant and Submarine Officer where his awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. In 2002, Chief Judge Broomes graduated from Washburn University School of Law, summa cum laude. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk to United States District Judge Monti L. Belot and United States Magistrate Judge Donald W. Bostwick in the District of Kansas.

Chief Judge Broomes succeeds Judge Eric F. Melgren as Chief. Judge Melgren assumed senior status, also on September 1, 2025.