Iowa Governor Appoints New District Judge

Rebecca L. Petig selected for 6th Judicial District role

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:30am

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A close-up view of a gavel resting on a wooden bench, the object casting a long shadow in the warm, golden light, conveying a sense of judicial authority and change.A new judge's appointment brings a shift in the legal landscape of eastern Iowa.Benton Today

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed Rebecca L. Petig as a new district associate judge in the state's 6th Judicial District, which covers several counties in eastern Iowa including Linn, Johnson, Benton, Iowa, Jones, and Tama.

Why it matters

Judicial appointments are an important part of the political process, as judges play a critical role in interpreting and upholding the law. This appointment will help shape the legal landscape in the affected counties for years to come.

The details

Petig's appointment fills a vacancy in the 6th Judicial District. As a district associate judge, she will preside over a variety of cases at the county level, including criminal, civil, and family law matters.

  • Petig was appointed to the position on March 31, 2026.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The current Governor of Iowa, who made the appointment of Petig to the district judge role.

Rebecca L. Petig

The newly appointed district associate judge in Iowa's 6th Judicial District.

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What’s next

Petig will be sworn in to her new position in the coming weeks and will begin hearing cases in the 6th Judicial District.

The takeaway

This judicial appointment represents an important shift in the legal landscape of eastern Iowa, as Petig's rulings will impact the lives of residents in the affected counties for years to come.