October 20, 2026
JNC recommends candidates for Middle and Northeastern Judicial Circuits
The Judicial Nominating Commission has submitted recommendations to fill vacancies within the Superior Courts of the Middle and Northeastern Judicial Circuits. The vacancy in the Middle Judicial Circuit was created by the passage of HB 1215 (Act 450) during the 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly. One of the vacancies within the Northeastern Judicial Circuit was also created by the passage of HB 1215, and the other was created by the resignation of the Honorable Bonnie Chessher Oliver.
Governor Kemp will fill the vacancies from among the lists. The Governor’s Office will contact candidates to schedule interviews.
The following names were submitted to Governor Kemp:
Middle Judicial Circuit
- Paul K. Cook – Judge, State Court of Toombs County
Northeastern Judicial Circuit
- Brian C. Heck – Associate Magistrate Judge, Hall County Magistrate Court
- Kelley M. Robertson – Judge, State Court of Hall County
- Clinton W. Teston – owner & principal attorney, Teston & Burruss, P.C.