An Arkansas circuit judge has announced plans to run for a state Supreme Court seat.
Judge Morgan “Chip” Welch is planning to run for the Position 4 seat on the Arkansas Supreme Court. In a statement, he said that he has been considering the run and established an exploratory committee before committing to the decision.
“Six weeks ago I set up an exploratory committee to see what folks might think about me running for the Arkansas Supreme Court. The response around the state has been gratifying and humbling,” Welch said. “The Arkansans I’ve talked to want to keep the Supreme Court independent, nonpartisan and fair to everyone just like our state constitution provides. So today I’m announcing my nonpartisan candidacy for Position 4 on the Arkansas Supreme Court.”
Position 4 is currently occupied by Associate Justice Josephine L. Hart. She has served in the Position 4 role since 2012.
Hart’s term expires Dec. 31, 2020.
Welch currently serves as the 16th Division Circuit Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit. Welch’s circuit encompasses Pulaski and Perry counties. He also serves on the Arkansas Supreme Court Sub-Committee on Complex Litigation, a role he was appointed to in 2015 by Chief Justice Dan Kemp.
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