Alabama Governor Ivey Announces Judicial & DA Appointments

New judges and district attorney appointed to key roles across the state

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Governor Kay Ivey recently announced a series of appointments filling critical roles within Alabama's judicial system, including new Circuit Judges for the Fourth and Fifth Judicial Circuits, and a District Attorney for Lauderdale County. The appointments signal a commitment to maintaining legal stability and addressing evolving needs across the state.

Why it matters

These appointments reflect a broader pattern of judicial selection processes across the United States, with Alabama utilizing a system of gubernatorial appointment. The increasing complexity of legal cases, particularly in areas like white-collar crime and drug offenses, necessitates judges and prosecutors with specialized expertise, which these appointments aim to address.

The details

Robert 'Bryan' Jones of Selma has been appointed as Circuit Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale, and Bibb counties. James Lewis 'Luke' Farmer of Roanoke will serve as Circuit Judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, covering Chambers, Macon, Tallapoosa, and Randolph counties. Angela King Hamilton has been appointed as District Attorney for the 11th Judicial Circuit serving Lauderdale County.

  • The appointments were announced on February 20, 2026.
  • Jones succeeds Collins Pettaway Jr., who retired after 13 years of service.
  • Farmer replaces Steven R. Perryman, who retired after 19 years on the bench.
  • Hamilton steps into the role following the appointment of Chris Connolly to the Lauderdale County Circuit Court.

The players

Robert 'Bryan' Jones

A new Circuit Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale, and Bibb counties. He brings over a decade of experience as an Assistant District Attorney, specializing in violent and white-collar crimes, and previously served as Director of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

James Lewis 'Luke' Farmer

A new Circuit Judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, covering Chambers, Macon, Tallapoosa, and Randolph counties. His background includes experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Lee County, private law practice, and clerkships with the Alabama Attorney General's Office and the 37th Judicial Circuit Court.

Angela King Hamilton

The new District Attorney for the 11th Judicial Circuit serving Lauderdale County. She boasts over two decades of experience prosecuting violent crimes, crimes against children, white-collar cases, and complex drug prosecutions, transitioning from Chief Assistant District Attorney to District Attorney.

Kay Ivey

The Governor of Alabama, who announced the judicial and district attorney appointments.

Collins Pettaway Jr.

The previous Circuit Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, who retired after 13 years of service.

Steven R. Perryman

The previous Circuit Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, who retired after 19 years on the bench.

Chris Connolly

The previous District Attorney for the 11th Judicial Circuit serving Lauderdale County, who was appointed to the Lauderdale County Circuit Court.

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What they’re saying

“We must maintain legal stability and address evolving needs across the state.”

— Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama (newsy-today.com)

“Jones's courtroom experience and leadership are key assets for the position.”

— Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama (newsy-today.com)

“Farmer's broad legal experience, encompassing both criminal and civil law, is a strong foundation for serving the people of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.”

— Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama (newsy-today.com)

“Hamilton's qualifications and ability to lead the office with integrity and dedication are highly valued.”

— Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These appointments reflect a broader trend of judicial selection processes across the United States, with Alabama utilizing a system of gubernatorial appointment. The increasing complexity of legal cases, particularly in areas like white-collar crime and drug offenses, necessitates judges and prosecutors with specialized expertise, which these appointments aim to address.