Office of Governor Kelly
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly recently appointed Jennifer O’Hare of Lincoln to the new 12th Judicial District judge position created through Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 2024-JA-096, which eliminates a district magistrate position and adds a new district judgeship.
The 12th Judicial District is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties.
“Judge Jennifer O’Hare has a broad range of legal experience, including 20 years as a county attorney and more than four years as district magistrate judge,” Kelly said. “Her substantial experience in various practice areas and her connection to her community will make her an even greater asset to the 12th Judicial District as she undertakes the duties of district court judge.”
O’Hare has been the Lincoln County Magistrate Judge for the 12th District since December 2021. She has also been a municipal judge for the cities of Lincoln, Lucas, and Wilson.
She is active in the legal community with memberships in the Kansas District Magistrate Judge Association, Kansas Municipal Judge Association, Supreme Court Learning Center Committee, and the 12th Judicial District Department of Corrections Advisory.
O’Hare earned a bachelor’s degree at Fort Hays State University and a juris doctor from Oklahoma City University Law School.
“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to Governor Kelly for entrusting me with this important responsibility,” said O’Hare. “I am committed to serving the citizens of the 12th Judicial District with integrity, fairness, and respect, and to upholding our district’s strong tradition of judicial excellence.”
District court judges in the 12th Judicial District are appointed by the governor. After serving one year in office, the new district judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.
The other nominees for this position were Guy Steier, Nels Noel, and Robert Walsh.