PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Brian K. Cochran, the current Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney and recently appointed Circuit Court Judge, has officially filed to run for Mercer County Circuit Court Judge in the May 2026 election.
Cochran was appointed to serve as Circuit Court Judge last week by Governor Patrick Morrisey following the retirement of the Honorable William J. Sadler, who served Mercer County with distinction for many years. Cochran is scheduled to assume the role as Circuit Court Judge on February 2, 2026.
“Judge Sadler set a high standard for integrity, fairness, and service,” Cochran said. “He has been a mentor to me and a model of what a great judge should be. Mercer County deserves a judge who understands our community, our courts, and the responsibility that comes with this office. That is why I am running, and I would be honored to earn your support.”
Like Judge Sadler, Cochran brings a prosecutor’s perspective to the bench and a background rooted in real-world courtroom experience and sound judgment. For more than three decades, Cochran has dedicated his life to public service, upholding the law, and serving the people of Mercer County.
A long time Mercer County resident, Cochran’s career spans more than 34 years in public service. He began as a city police officer, served as a deputy sheriff, and then served as a West Virginia State Trooper. After earning his law degree in 2007, he built a respected legal career handling criminal prosecution, corporate law, civil litigation, juvenile law, child abuse and neglect cases, and governmental law.
He practiced with the highly respected Brewster, Morhous law firm in Bluefield, served as City Attorney for Bluefield, and was elected Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney in 2020 and then re-elected in 2024.
As Prosecuting Attorney, Cochran led the office through major caseloads, evolving public safety challenges, and important policy changes. Under his leadership, the office strengthened its operations and earned the confidence of the community.
“Serving as your prosecutor has been the honor of my career,” Cochran said. “It taught me that our job is not just to win cases, but to pursue justice fairly, carefully, and with respect for everyone in the courtroom.”
Cochran is widely known for his steady, thoughtful approach to decision-making.
“Doing the right thing is easy to say, but it takes experience and discipline to do it consistently,” he said. “I study the law, examine the facts, and listen to all sides before making decisions. That’s what I’ve always done, and that’s the same approach I will bring to the bench.”
Although appointed through a rigorous vetting process by the Governor and the Judicial Vacancy Commission, Cochran emphasized that the final decision belongs to the voters.
“I’m grateful for the Governor’s trust, but now it’s up to the people of Mercer County,” Cochran said. “I respectfully ask for your vote so I can continue serving this community with fairness, integrity, and common sense.”
Cochran and his wife, Connie, have lived, worked, and raised their family in Mercer County. Their three children all graduated from Mercer County public schools. Their son Cole is an emergency room physician at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital, their daughter Régan is completing medical school at WVU, and their youngest son Grant is a junior at Concord University and a member of the football team.
“My faith and my family are my foundation,” Cochran said. “Like so many families here, we’ve built our life in Mercer County. I understand our values, our challenges, and what matters to the people who live here.”
If elected, Cochran pledges to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and respect for every person who enters his courtroom.
“Every case deserves a fair hearing. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity. My promise is simple: I will apply the law faithfully, fairly, and with common sense, always guided by what is right for our community.”
Cochran concluded, “I’m proud of Mercer County, proud of the work we’ve done, and proud to continue serving. I’m ready for this responsibility, and I would be honored to be your next elected Circuit Court Judge.”
Cochran for Judge – Experience. Integrity. Community.
