Current Endorsements

WLA endorsements for judicial vacancies are made solely on qualification for the position and in furtherance of our mission as set forth in WLA’s Endorsement Policy and Endorsement Guidelines.

CURRENT ENDORSEMENT REQUESTS:

• There are no current endorsement requests.

CURRENT ENDORSEMENTS:

• WLA Statement in Support of Equal Branches of Government 
  In response to the events surrounding the cancellation of the 2026 State of the Judiciary Address, and in line with our Mission and Endorsement Policy, the Board of the WLA has voted to issue the following statement: 
  Due to the inaccuracies stated regarding the Missouri Bar, the Supreme Court of Missouri, and the role of Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan, the WLA affirms the Missouri Bar's January 28, 2026 statement opposing any effort to diminish the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government. As an equal branch of government, the Missouri Supreme Court is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the laws passed by the Missouri State Legislature and brought before the Court comply with the Missouri Constitution. The oath of office of the Court requires each of its members to uphold the Missouri Constitution with impartiality. Since 1940, Missouri has selected an independent judiciary through its Non-Partisan Court Plan to promote merit-based appointments to the state judiciary to ensure the impartial application of the rule of law rather than politics in the courtroom. The Plan continues to be right for the citizens of Missouri as it produces a fair and impartial Supreme Court.

• WLA Endorses Judge Nicole Colbert-Botchway For Circuit Judge And Renee Sullivan For Associate Circuit Judge.
  WLA is proud to announce its endorsement of Associate Judge Nicole Colbert-Botchway for appointment as Circuit Judge to the 22nd Circuit Court, and Renee Sullivan for appointment as Associate Circuit Judge to the 22nd Circuit Court. These endorsements follow a thorough review of the candidates’ applications and thoughtful consideration of feedback from WLA members. We extend our best wishes to Judge Colbert-Botchway and Renee Sullivan as they move forward in the selection process.

• WLA Endorses Joan Lockwood for Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District Vacancy
  WLA is pleased and proud to endorse its member Joan Lockwood, for appointment to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.  The decision was made after careful review of the applications and consideration of comments from the WLA membership.  Best of luck to Ms. Lockwood in her pursuit of this position.

We strongly encourage our members to send/write letters individually to the Governor endorsing these candidates as well:

Governor Mike Kehoe
Missouri Governor’s Office
Missouri State Capitol
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 216
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Apply for WLA's Endorsement