Moorhead mayor appointed state district judge, interim mayor likely to be named

Mayor Johnathan Judd

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – Moorhead Mayor Johnathan Judd has been appointed to a judgeship in Minnesota’s 7th Judicial District.

Judd is also the Director of Equity and Inclusion at Minnesota State Community and Technical College and serves as an adjunct professor at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. He’s worked as a public defender and an Asst. Clay County Attorney.

Judd will be replacing the Honorable Barbara R. Hanson and will be chambered in Fergus Falls.

“I am honored to appoint Mr. Judd to the Seventh Judicial District Court,” said Governor Walz. “Mr. Judd has championed fairness, justice, and equality while working tirelessly to create open dialogue among community members throughout his impressive career in public service. I look forward to seeing him continue to work on behalf of the people of Minnesota.”

“Mr. Judd has a proven dedication to public service and social justice,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Mr. Judd has been an effective advocate for his community, and his wealth of lived and professional experiences will make him an excellent judge. I am thrilled by his appointment.”

The other two finalists were Simon George, a lawyer in Detroit Lakes and part-time public defense attorney and Heidi Schultz, an assistant prosecutor in Todd County. The 7th District covers 10 counties.

Moorhead City Manager Dan Mahli told KFGO News earlier this month that the city council will likely have to name an interim mayor until a special election can be scheduled to name a replacement for Judd.