For more than 25 years, southern West Virginia has been my home. It’s where I’ve built my career, raised my family, and dedicated my life to public service. Today, I’m asking for your support to serve as your next Mercer County Circuit Court Judge because I believe our courts should be fair, efficient, and grounded in service to the people.
I’m the son of a coal miner who worked underground for 50 years and a mother who retired from Mountain Heart. My parents taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and treating people with respect. Those lessons shaped who I am long before I ever stepped into a courtroom.
My wife, Diamond, and I are proud to be raising our family here in southern West Virginia. Our daughter attends Radford University, our oldest son is at Bluefield State University, and our youngest son will soon turn three years old. Family means everything to me, and I understand the importance of building a community where families feel safe, supported, and heard.
After graduating from Concord University with a degree in Social Work, I went on to earn my law degree from the Appalachian School of Law. My legal career has always focused on public service. As an Assistant Prosecutor, I stood up for children who were victims of abuse and prosecuted serious felony cases. I represented children in abuse and neglect proceedings and served as a guardian ad litem to advocate for their best interests. I also helped families facing illegal debt collection and predatory lending practices remain in their homes during difficult times.
Today, I serve as the Chief Family Court Judge for Mercer and McDowell counties. In that role, I have presided over hundreds of cases, including more than 250 domestic violence proceedings. Every day on the bench reminds me that the decisions judges make affect real people, real families, and real lives.
One of the biggest issues facing our court system is delay. Justice delayed is justice denied. Every person deserves a fair and speedy trial, and taxpayers deserve a court system that operates efficiently. Over the last several years, Mercer County’s jail bill has dramatically increased because cases are not moving through the system quickly enough. I believe judges must hold attorneys accountable, reduce unnecessary continuances, and ensure cases are handled in a timely manner.
My commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom. I’ve taught at Concord University, served with the Rotary Club of Princeton, worked with the Boy Scouts, and remained involved in organizations that invest in our communities and our young people. Service has always been central to my life.
This election is about more than politics. It’s about trust, experience, and ensuring our courts work for the people they serve. I believe my background as a prosecutor, advocate for children, trial attorney, educator, and judge has prepared me for this responsibility.
On May 12th, I humbly ask for your vote for Mercer County Circuit Court Judge. I will work every day to uphold the law fairly, treat every person with dignity and respect, and serve our community with integrity.
