Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden, chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), has announced a vacancy in the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial District, located in Rock Springs, Sweetwater County. The opening is due to the resignation of Judge Craig L. Jones, which will take effect on March 7, 2026.
The circuit court handles matters such as traffic violations, protection orders, misdemeanor offenses, eviction proceedings, small claims cases, and civil actions involving damages under $50,000.
Qualified individuals interested in the position have until 5:00 p.m. MST on Thursday, February 12, 2026 to submit their applications. The new judge must be sworn in by May 18, 2026. Application forms and further instructions are available on the Wyoming Judicial Branch’s website.
Wyoming law requires that candidates for circuit court judge be residents of Wyoming and licensed to practice law within the state.
“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,” according to the announcement from Chief Justice Boomgaarden.
After reviewing applications and conducting interviews with selected candidates, the JNC will forward three names to the governor for final appointment.
Further details about the commission members and judicial selection procedures can be found on the Wyoming Judicial Branch’s website at https://www.courts.state.wy.us/.
