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Michigan City Today
By the People, for the People
Judge Stalbrink Seeks Fourth Term on LaPorte Superior Court
Veteran judge has presided over civil, criminal, and re-entry court cases in LaPorte County
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Richard R. Stalbrink Jr. is running for his fourth term as Judge of LaPorte Superior Court 2 in Indiana. Stalbrink has presided over a variety of cases including civil, criminal, divorces, protective orders, and paternity cases, as well as overseeing the county's Re-Entry Court since 2015. He has also served on several state-level judicial committees and task forces, including work during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep Indiana courts operational.
Why it matters
Stalbrink's long tenure and experience on the bench provide stability and continuity for the LaPorte County judicial system. His involvement in statewide initiatives also gives him a broader perspective to apply local improvements. As an unopposed Democratic candidate, his re-election would maintain the court's current leadership and approach.
The details
Stalbrink has served as Judge of LaPorte Superior Court 2 since his initial appointment in 2007. In addition to his regular caseload, he has held leadership roles on several Indiana judicial committees, including the Supreme Court Innovation Committee, the Judicial Domestic Relations Committee, and the Judicial Strategic Planning Committee. He also presided over the county's Re-Entry Court, which assists offenders released from long-term prison sentences with their transition back into the community.
- Stalbrink was first appointed as a juvenile court magistrate in LaPorte Circuit Court in 2007.
- He has served as Judge of LaPorte Superior Court 2 since his initial appointment.
- Stalbrink was selected by the Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice in 2020 to serve on a task force to keep courts operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He has presided over LaPorte County's Re-Entry Court since 2015.
The players
Richard R. Stalbrink Jr.
Judge of LaPorte Superior Court 2 who is seeking a fourth term on the bench.
Loretta Rush
Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court who selected Stalbrink to serve on a COVID-19 task force in 2020.
What they’re saying
“Over the years, I have been fortunate to be a part of a lot of changes and improvements in the judicial system. I still love what I do every day as a judge and I would be honored for the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of LaPorte County as Judge of LaPorte Superior Court No. 2.”
— Richard R. Stalbrink Jr., Judge, LaPorte Superior Court 2 (hometownnewsnow.com)
What’s next
Stalbrink is unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the May primary election. If he wins the primary, he will face no Republican challenger in the general election in November.
The takeaway
Judge Stalbrink's long tenure, experience, and leadership roles in Indiana's judicial system make him a stable and seasoned choice to continue presiding over LaPorte Superior Court 2. His re-election would maintain continuity and expertise on the local bench.
