Three Candidates Vie for Hamilton County Superior Court 4 Judge Seat

Trampas Whalin, Chadwick Hill, and Angela Swenson compete in the Republican primary for the open judicial position.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of an empty courtroom interior with warm lighting and deep shadows, capturing the solemn atmosphere of the judicial system.The Hamilton County Superior Court 4 courtroom stands empty, awaiting the arrival of a new judge to oversee the busy docket and serve the local community.Hamilton Today

Three candidates - Trampas Whalin, Chadwick Hill, and Angela Swenson - are running in the May 5 Republican primary election for the open judge seat on Hamilton County Superior Court 4. There are no Democratic challengers in the race. The candidates discussed their qualifications, judicial philosophies, and top campaign issues.

Why it matters

The winner of the Republican primary will likely become the next judge of Hamilton County Superior Court 4, as the county leans Republican. The new judge will oversee a busy docket and play a key role in the local justice system, making decisions that impact residents and businesses in the community.

The details

Trampas Whalin is an attorney who owns his own law firm, Whalin Legal, and also serves as president of the Hamilton County Bar Association. Chadwick Hill is a senior magistrate in Hamilton County with 27 years of legal experience. Angela Swenson is an attorney and small business owner with a background in military service. The candidates discussed their legal experience, judicial philosophies, and top campaign priorities, which include fairness, efficiency, and community engagement.

  • The Republican primary election for Hamilton County Superior Court 4 judge will be held on May 5, 2026.

The players

Trampas Whalin

An attorney who owns Whalin Legal and serves as president of the Hamilton County Bar Association.

Chadwick Hill

A Hamilton County senior magistrate with 27 years of legal experience.

Angela Swenson

An attorney and small business owner with a background in military service.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm running because this is where I believe my experience, temperament, common sense and sense of duty can best serve others. Serving as a judge is not about status to me; it is about taking on a serious responsibility and serving people fairly when the stakes are often very personal.”

— Trampas Whalin, Candidate for Hamilton County Superior Court 4 Judge

“This election carries significant consequences. A judge ready on day one; it is not a place for on-the-job training. The community deserves the most qualified candidate with proven judicial temperament. I bring the knowledge and experience necessary to the judicial bench.”

— Chadwick Hill, Candidate for Hamilton County Superior Court 4 Judge

“I am running to serve my community as a fair and impartial judge. I have a longstanding commitment to public service, and I believe in applying the law faithfully, treating all individuals with respect and ensuring equal justice for all.”

— Angela Swenson, Candidate for Hamilton County Superior Court 4 Judge

What’s next

The Republican primary election for Hamilton County Superior Court 4 judge will be held on May 5, 2026. The winner of the primary will likely become the next judge, as the county leans Republican.

The takeaway

This race for the Hamilton County Superior Court 4 judgeship highlights the importance of judicial elections and the need for qualified, experienced, and impartial candidates to serve the local community. Voters will have a choice between three candidates with diverse legal backgrounds who have outlined their visions for the court.