Republican incumbent Josh Devine has won the race for 13th Circuit Judge by a slim margin, defeating Democratic challenger Andy Hirth. Devine garnered 54.8% of the votes to Hirth’s 45.1% of the votes.
Devine says his plan is to help those who feel the criminal justice system has happened to them, rather than them being a part of it. “I do my absolute best to explain to people what’s happening and why it’s happening,” Devine said. “I’m always asking for input from them and giving them an opportunity to be heard and fully heard.”
Governor Mike Parson appointed Devine to the 13th circuit in June, following the retirement of Judge Jodie Asel. He said now that the election is over, he can focus on pushing the issues that matter to him. “The most important thing to me as a judge is that people are being treated fairly regardless of their background and life experience,” Devine said.
Devine said he knows Hirth personally. They graduated from law school within two years of each other and have known each other for 15 years. “The voters had an opportunity to pick one of us, but regardless of who they picked, Boone County would have been served well by either one of us,” Devine said.