On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Kansas Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Wilson announced her resignation, effective July 4, due to a recent diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Justice Wilson has been a member of the Kansas Supreme Court since January 2020. In her resignation letter addressed to Governor Laura Kelly, Wilson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the state’s highest court. She acknowledged the honor of working alongside her fellow justices, highlighting their integrity and dedication in both challenging and routine circumstances.

Before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Wilson was a judge in the 3rd Judicial District, which includes Shawnee County. She was appointed as a district judge in 2004 and served as chief judge from 2014 until her elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019. Wilson is an alumna of Bethany College and the Washburn University School of Law. Prior to her judicial career, she practiced law in northwest Kansas and Topeka.

Chief Justice Marla Luckert, who previously served alongside Wilson in the 3rd Judicial District, commented on Wilson’s impact. She described Wilson as both a respected colleague and a close friend, praising her character and judicial fairness. Luckert noted Wilson’s courage in facing health challenges and acknowledged the void her departure would create on the court.

Wilson’s resignation will initiate a merit-based nomination process to identify her successor. The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is responsible for reviewing applications and conducting public interviews of potential nominees. The commission will ultimately narrow the pool to three candidates, from which the governor will select one for appointment.

To qualify for nomination, candidates must meet specific criteria: they must be at least 30 years old and have practiced law in Kansas for a minimum of ten years, whether as an attorney, judge, or law school educator. The Nominating Commission consists of nine members, including one lawyer and one non-lawyer from each of the four congressional districts in the state, as well as a chairperson who is a lawyer elected statewide. Non-lawyers are appointed by the governor, while lawyers are elected by their peers in their respective districts.

When evaluating nominees, the commission considers various factors, including legal and judicial experience, educational qualifications, character, ethical standards, temperament, community service, impartiality, and respect from colleagues. It is imperative for justices to adhere to the law without being swayed by political influences, special interest groups, or public opinion.

Justices are held accountable through a Code of Judicial Conduct that outlines ethical standards for their behavior. They also take an oath of office, pledging to uphold and defend both the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution. Following their first year on the bench, new justices must stand for a retention vote in the subsequent general election to continue serving. If retained, they are appointed for a six-year term.

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is anticipated to announce its timeline for accepting nominations soon, setting the stage for the selection of a new justice to fill the vacancy left by Wilson’s resignation.

 

 

Source: KSCourts