Visit the Your Kansas Judges homepage for the latest news from the Supreme Court Nominating Commission. Follow the merit selection process in real time, preview the 2026 judicial retention elections, read appellate court digests, and more. Your Kansas Judges and the Judicial Survey Project are resources made possible by a generous grant from the Kansas Bar Foundation.
- December 19, 2025 - Chief Justice Marla Luckert announced her intention to step back from her duties as Chief Justice effective January 2, 2026, and retire at a future date yet to be announced. She will remain a justice on the court until then. Chief Justice Luckert was appointed in 2003 and is only the second woman to serve in the role of Chief Justice. The member of the court with the most seniority serves as chief justice. Read the news release and watch the Chief's announcement to the courts and to Kansas.
- January 2, 2026 - Justice Dan Biles administers oath of office to Justice Eric Rosen in a private ceremony. Chief Justice Rosen becomes the 25th chief justice in Kansas' history.
- January 8, 2026 - Investiture of Chief Justice Eric Rosen.
- March 3, 2026 - Justice Marla Luckert announces retirement on March 28, 2026.
- March 12, 2026 – Supreme Court Nominating Commission Attempts to Convene; rescheduled for March 13, 2026 due to technical errors.
- March 13, 2026 – Supreme Court Nominating Commission Convenes
Members of the 2025-2026 SCNC convened for a procedural meeting. Watch a recording of the meeting.
- March 16, 2026 – Application Period Opens
The official notice of vacancy is released, and qualified applicants may begin submitting their materials for consideration. The application form and release are available on the judicial branch website or from the clerk of the appellate courts office at the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka. Learn more about the application process here.
Pursuant to KSA 20-105 - to be eligible for the office of justice of the Kansas Supreme Court a person must be:
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- At least 30 years old;
- Admitted to practice law in the state of Kansas;
- Engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years, whether as a judge, attorney or full-time teacher at an accredited law school.
- April 17, 2026 (Friday) – Application Deadline
All application materials must be submitted to the Commission by noon. Applications can be mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered. Candidates must use the approved application form.
- April 21, 2026 - SCNC meeting to finalize interview dates and procedures
- May 20-21, 2026 - Interviews to be conducted by the SCNC at the Kansas Judicial Center. Three (3) candidates are selected by the Commission and sent to the governor for review.
- Within 60 days after receiving the list of candidates, the governor appoints one of the three finalists.
You can view updates here: The Merit Selection Project
