Michael Llamas to become chief judge in 9th Judicial District

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Michael Llamas as chief judge of the 9th Judicial District effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

He will succeed Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder whose term expires December 31, 2025. The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties.

“We appreciate Judge Llamas taking on the responsibilities of chief judge to provide leadership continuity for the 9th Judicial District,” Acting Chief Justice Eric Rosen said. “We also thank Chief Judge Wilder for her leadership and great service to the courts during her years in that role.”

Llamas has served as a district judge in the 9th Judicial District since 2022.

“I am honored for this opportunity to serve as chief judge,” he said. “I look forward to this new challenge and will do my best to serve the 9th Judicial District.”

Llamas is a native of Newton and graduated from Wichita State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. After law school he was in private practice then served as assistant Harvey County attorney. He has also been a city prosecutor for Hesston and a municipal court judge in Burrton, Walton, and Florence.

Llamas is a member of the Kansas District Judges Association and the Harvey County Bar Association.

Chief judge role 
 
Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.