Judicial elections are different than the rest of the race on the primary ballot. Due to a need to remain impartial once on the bench, they can’t campaign traditionally, can’t have a platform, and don’t run with political party affiliation.
Some judges do not get opposition, but any race with two or more qualified candidates requires an election.
In the Ninth Circuit, made up of Orange and Osceola County courts, there are three judgeships up for election Osceola County voters will see on their ballots this month. Here’s a synopsis:
Group 9
Fay Olga Pappas and Alison Kerestes, who have practiced law for 10 and 16 years respectively, face off.
“I believe the justice system should work for the people, not political agendas,” Pappas, a personal injury lawyer, said in a statement in her filing paperwork. “The law should be applied equally and with dignity towards all who come before it; and that a judge should be focused, not on herself, but rather on the well-being of the people and community to which she belongs.”
Pappas is endorsed by the Osceola County Professional Firefighters and the current and former St. Cloud Police chiefs.
Kerestes has split her legal time, as a prosecutor and in private practice.
“My wide breadth of experience and the insight that only comes with handling cases from both sides of litigation make me the most qualified candidate,” she said in her filing.
Group 14
Michael Stewart goes up against incumbent John Beamer.
“Our community deserves a judge who will follow the law and exercise their judgment, not their will, for those who come before the court,” Beamer, who practiced law for 13 years prior to earning his seat in the Domestic Relations Division, said in his filing. “Our community requires a judge who will rule without fear or favor based on the law, and apply that law equally to all who are before the court. I am that judge.”
Stewart, who has earned the endorsement of the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, said his background makes him the most qualified.
“I’m the only person in this race who has practiced both civil and criminal law, to have never been sanctioned by a court, and who’s never been a member of the Federalist society,” he said in a video statement to voters at the July 20 Osceola Hob Nob.
Group 44
Vincent Chiu is running to hold his Circuit Court judgeship against challenger Aldo Bartolone. Prior to taking the bench, Chiu spent over a decade with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida.
“I have committed my entire career to public service,” Chiu said. “As a judge, I have distinguished myself on both the family law and civil benches, and have built a reputation as a judge who works hard, understands and follows the law, and treats everyone in the courtroom with courtesy and respect.”
