Whitman County Judge John Hart Announces Re-Election Bid

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Whitman County District Court Judge John Hart is running for re-election after serving two terms since first being elected in 2018. In his campaign announcement, Hart highlighted the implementation of new programs like a community court to address low-level offenders, as well as his roles on statewide judiciary committees.

Why it matters

Judge Hart's re-election bid comes as Whitman County's lower criminal court handles an evolving caseload, with the community court program aimed at addressing mental health and substance abuse issues among some defendants.

The details

In his Wednesday campaign announcement, Judge John Hart noted that he has overseen the implementation of several new programs during his time on the bench, including a community court that addresses low-level offenders facing charges as a consequence of mental health and substance abuse issues. Hart also pointed out that he serves in multiple capacities on statewide judiciary committees.

• Judge Hart was first elected to the Whitman County District Court in 2018.
• Judge Hart is currently serving his second term in office.

What’s next

Candidate filing for seats up for a vote this year in Washington runs in May.