Judicial Retention 2026 — Iowa Voter Guide

On every Iowa ballot

Iowa Court of Appeals

3 judges standing for retention statewide

John M. Sandy

Court of Appeals Judge

Appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2024; district court judge from 2021. Previously managing partner at Sandy Law Firm. Full bio (p. 6) →

Attorney survey 87.8% support retention · 197 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.3
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.4

Julie A. Schumacher

Court of Appeals Judge

Appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2019; previously a district court judge and district associate judge. Nearly 20 years in private practice in Denison. Full bio (p. 6) →

Attorney survey 92.7% support retention · 178 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5

Sharon Soorholtz Greer

Court of Appeals Judge

Appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2019. Previously in private practice in Marshalltown. Full bio (p. 7) →

Attorney survey 90.9% support retention · 230 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.5
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6

Judicial Election District

District 1A

Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Winneshiek counties · 4 judges standing for retention

Alan T. Heavens

District Court Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously Clayton County Attorney (2010–2019). Full bio (p. 7) →

Attorney survey 93.9% support retention · 82 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Mark T. Hostager

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2013. Previously an assistant county attorney in Dubuque. Full bio (p. 8) →

Attorney survey 97.1% support retention · 35 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.4

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Stephanie C. Rattenborg

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2013. Previously Delaware County magistrate (1996–2013). Full bio (p. 8) →

Attorney survey 86.8% support retention · 38 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.0
Perception of factual issues	4.0
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.0
Management and control of the courtroom	4.1
Temperament and demeanor	3.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.9
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.0
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.9

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.9
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.0
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.2
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.1

Thomas J. Straka

District Associate Juvenile Judge

Appointed 2006. Previously Dubuque County magistrate and in private practice (family and criminal law). Full bio (p. 8) →

Attorney survey 71.4% support retention · 21 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.9
Perception of factual issues	4.0
Punctuality for court proceedings	3.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	3.6
Management and control of the courtroom	3.8
Temperament and demeanor	4.0
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.8
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.2
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.2
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.2
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.2

Judicial Election District

District 1B

Black Hawk, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Fayette, Grundy, and Howard counties · 4 judges standing for retention

Joel A. Dalrymple

District Court Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously First Assistant Black Hawk County Attorney. Full bio (p. 8) →

Attorney survey 80.2% support retention · 86 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.9
Perception of factual issues	3.9
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.2
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.0
Management and control of the courtroom	4.2
Temperament and demeanor	3.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.8
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.0
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.1

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.9
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.4
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.0
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	3.8

Patrice J. Eichman

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously an assistant state public defender. Full bio (p. 9) →

Attorney survey 83.3% support retention · 30 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.1
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.1
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.2
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.1
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.1
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.1

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.1
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Michelle Jungers

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously managing attorney at Iowa Legal Aid's Waterloo office, then private practice. Full bio (p. 9) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 36 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Linnea M.N. Nicol

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously a staff attorney at Iowa Legal Aid and the Juvenile Public Defender's Office. Full bio (p. 9) →

Attorney survey 92.3% support retention · 52 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.3
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	4.0
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.0
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.2

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.0
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.2
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Judicial Election District

District 2A

Bremer, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, and Worth counties · 7 judges standing for retention

Christopher C. Foy

District Court Judge

Appointed 2007. Previously in private practice in Minneapolis and Waverly. Full bio (p. 10) →

Attorney survey 85.3% support retention · 68 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	3.9
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.1
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.2
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.0
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.2
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.9

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.2
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.1
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.4
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.3

Gregg R. Rosenbladt

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2008; district court judge 2012. Previously an assistant Cerro Gordo County Attorney. Full bio (p. 10) →

Attorney survey 93.7% support retention · 63 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.2

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

DeDra L. Schroeder

District Court Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously in private practice and a judicial magistrate (2005–2012). Full bio (p. 11) →

Attorney survey 89.1% support retention · 64 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.3
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	3.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.2
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.0
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.4
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Colleen D. Weiland

District Court Judge

Appointed 2007. Previously Cerro Gordo County magistrate and in private practice in Mason City. Full bio (p. 11) →

Attorney survey 95.8% support retention · 72 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.2
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.4

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Karen Kaufman Salic

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2013. Previously Hancock County Attorney (2001–2013). Full bio (p. 10) →

Attorney survey 86.5% support retention · 37 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.1
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	3.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.9
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.2
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.2

Mark Milder

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously in private practice (juvenile court and criminal defense). Full bio (p. 10) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 24 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Adam Sauer

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously Winnebago County Attorney and assistant Worth County Attorney. Full bio (p. 11) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 28 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Judicial Election District

District 2B

Boone, Calhoun, Carroll, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Humboldt, Marshall, Pocahontas, Sac, Story, Webster, and Wright counties · 7 judges standing for retention

Bethany J. Currie

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously in private practice in Marshalltown and Marshall County magistrate. Full bio (p. 11) →

Attorney survey 94.7% support retention · 95 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Angela L. Doyle

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2011; district court judge 2018. Previously 26 years in private practice. Full bio (p. 12) →

Attorney survey 94.4% support retention · 72 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.3
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.3
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.4
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Amy Moore

District Court Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously a federal defender, in private practice, and Story County magistrate. Full bio (p. 12) →

Attorney survey 92.9% support retention · 99 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.1
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.2
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.1
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Christopher C. Polking

District Court Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously in private practice and Carroll County magistrate. Full bio (p. 12) →

Attorney survey 96.2% support retention · 79 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Ashley M. Sparks

District Court Judge

Appointed 2023. Previously Boone County magistrate and in private practice. Full bio (p. 13) →

Attorney survey 94.8% support retention · 77 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Stephen A. Owen

District Associate Judge

Previously in private practice in central Iowa; U.S. Army veteran. Full bio (p. 12) →

Attorney survey 82.0% support retention · 61 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.0
Perception of factual issues	3.9
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.4
Temperament and demeanor	4.1
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.0
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.0
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.8
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.4
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Joseph L. Tofilon

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously an assistant county attorney and in private practice. Full bio (p. 13) →

Attorney survey 96.9% support retention · 32 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.3
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.4
Temperament and demeanor	4.3
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.4

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.5
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Judicial Election District

District 3A

Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, Kossuth, O'Brien, Osceola, and Palo Alto counties · 6 judges standing for retention

Charles K. Borth

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2009; district court judge 2018. Previously assistant Clay County Attorney and in private practice. Full bio (p. 13) →

Attorney survey 96.8% support retention · 63 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.7
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.8
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.7
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.7
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Adam Miller

District Court Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously in private practice in Fort Worth, Texas, and Cherokee. Full bio (p. 14) →

Attorney survey 98.1% support retention · 54 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.8
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Carl J. Petersen

District Court Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously Lyon County Attorney (2000–2012). Full bio (p. 14) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 64 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.8
Perception of factual issues	4.8
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.8
Management and control of the courtroom	4.8
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.7
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.7
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Andrew J. Smith

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2018; district court judge 2024. Previously Calhoun County magistrate and in private practice. Full bio (p. 14) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 51 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.7
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.8
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Jennifer Bennett Finn

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2025. Previously in private practice in Estherville. Full bio (p. 14) →

Attorney survey 82.6% support retention · 23 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.7
Perception of factual issues	3.8
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.0
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.3
Management and control of the courtroom	3.9
Temperament and demeanor	4.3
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.1
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.9
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.2

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.3
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Kristi Busse

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously at the Clay County Attorney's Office (2009–2024), including as County Attorney. Full bio (p. 13) →

Attorney survey 86.2% support retention · 29 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.0
Perception of factual issues	4.0
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.0
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.0
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Judicial Election District

District 3B

Crawford, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury counties · 6 judges standing for retention

Tod J. Deck

District Court Judge

Appointed 2017. Previously Woodbury County magistrate and a partner at Deck Law. Full bio (p. 15) →

Attorney survey 94.0% support retention · 67 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.3
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.4
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.3

Zachary S. Hindman

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously a federal appellate law clerk and in private practice in Sioux City. Full bio (p. 15) →

Attorney survey 94.4% support retention · 71 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Mark Cord

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously a partner at a Sioux City law firm. Full bio (p. 15) →

Attorney survey 76.1% support retention · 46 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.7
Perception of factual issues	3.8
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.0
Management and control of the courtroom	4.0
Temperament and demeanor	3.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.7
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.9
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.0

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.8
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.0
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.2
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.1

John C. Nelson

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2006. Previously Woodbury County magistrate (from 1997). Full bio (p. 16) →

Attorney survey 85.7% support retention · 42 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.2
Temperament and demeanor	3.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.2

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.1
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.3
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.0
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.4
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Daniel P. Vakulskas

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously Woodbury County magistrate and in private practice. Full bio (p. 16) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 45 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.8
Management and control of the courtroom	4.8
Temperament and demeanor	4.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.7
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.9

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.9
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.8

Melinda B. Wicks

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously Woodbury County magistrate and a deputy county attorney in Dakota County, Nebraska. Full bio (p. 16) →

Attorney survey 91.7% support retention · 36 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Judicial Election District

District 4

Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby counties · 9 judges standing for retention

Donna Bothwell

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2022; district court judge 2024. Previously at Iowa Legal Aid and in solo practice. Full bio (p. 16) →

Attorney survey 94.1% support retention · 51 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.4

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.3
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.3
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.3

Craig M. Dreismeier

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2010; district court judge 2018; chief judge since 2024. Previously in private practice. Full bio (p. 17) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 70 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.9
Perception of factual issues	4.8
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.9
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.9
Management and control of the courtroom	4.9
Temperament and demeanor	4.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.8
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.8
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.8

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.9
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.9
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.8

Michael D. Hooper

District Court Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously Cass County Attorney. Full bio (p. 17) →

Attorney survey 93.3% support retention · 60 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Margaret J. Reyes

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously led the civil division of the Pottawattamie County Attorney's Office. Full bio (p. 17) →

Attorney survey 86.2% support retention · 65 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.2
Temperament and demeanor	4.4
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.2
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Justin Wyatt

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2022; district court judge 2024. Previously in private practice. Full bio (p. 18) →

Attorney survey 91.8% support retention · 49 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.3
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	4.4
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.4
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Amy L. Zacharias

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2015; district court judge 2019. Previously an assistant Pottawattamie County Attorney. Full bio (p. 18) →

Attorney survey 92.8% support retention · 69 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.4
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Matthew A. Schuling

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously an assistant Iowa attorney general. Full bio (p. 17) →

Attorney survey 96.4% support retention · 28 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.9
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.8

Scott D. Strait

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously 24 years in private practice. Full bio (p. 18) →

Attorney survey 87.5% support retention · 32 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.3
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.2
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.3

Ashley West-Joons

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously Harrison County Attorney and assistant county attorney. Full bio (p. 18) →

Attorney survey 67.7% support retention · 31 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.8
Perception of factual issues	3.8
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	3.8
Management and control of the courtroom	3.9
Temperament and demeanor	3.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.0
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.0
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.9

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.0
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	3.7

Judicial Election District

District 5A

Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Marion, and Warren counties · 5 judges standing for retention

Nicholas Bailey

District Court Judge

Appointed 2025. Previously 15 years in solo private practice. Full bio (p. 19) →

Attorney survey 97.3% support retention · 75 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Michael K. Jacobsen

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously Jasper County Attorney (2009–2018). Full bio (p. 19) →

Attorney survey 97.0% support retention · 101 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Thomas P. Murphy

District Court Judge

Appointed 2017. Previously 25 years in private practice; U.S. Army veteran. Full bio (p. 19) →

Attorney survey 96.6% support retention · 119 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Steven W. Guiter

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously in private practice (1982–2012). Full bio (p. 19) →

Attorney survey 94.1% support retention · 34 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.3
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.2
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.2
Temperament and demeanor	4.1
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.1
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.1
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.9

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.3
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.3
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.3

Mark F. Schlenker

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously 31 years in private practice in Indianola. Full bio (p. 20) →

Attorney survey 77.2% support retention · 57 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.1
Perception of factual issues	4.0
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.0
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	3.9
Management and control of the courtroom	3.9
Temperament and demeanor	3.1
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.9
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.9
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.8
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.0
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	3.8

Judicial Election District

District 5B

Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold, Taylor, Union, and Wayne counties · 2 judges standing for retention

Elisabeth Reynoldson

District Court Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously Clarke County Attorney, assistant attorney general, and in private practice. Full bio (p. 20) →

Attorney survey 95.3% support retention · 106 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Andrew J. Zimmerman

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously Adams County magistrate (2017–2024). Full bio (p. 20) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 41 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.7
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.8
Management and control of the courtroom	4.8
Temperament and demeanor	4.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.8
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.7
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.8

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.8
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Judicial Election District

District 5C

Polk County · 14 judges standing for retention

Scott J. Beattie

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously a Navy JAG officer, assistant Des Moines city attorney, and law firm partner. Full bio (p. 21) →

Attorney survey 96.6% support retention · 145 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Sarah E. Crane

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously in private practice at Davis Brown Law Firm. Full bio (p. 21) →

Attorney survey 96.3% support retention · 161 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Celene M. Gogerty

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously a prosecutor in the Linn and Polk County Attorney's Offices. Full bio (p. 22) →

Attorney survey 89.2% support retention · 148 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.4

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Samantha J. Gronewald

District Court Judge

Appointed 2017. Previously in private practice. Full bio (p. 22) →

Attorney survey 97.4% support retention · 152 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Christopher Kemp

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2019; district court judge 2024. Full bio (p. 22) →

Attorney survey 96.7% support retention · 121 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Coleman McAllister

District Court Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously Sioux County Attorney and an area prosecutor with the Attorney General's Office. Full bio (p. 23) →

Attorney survey 98.5% support retention · 137 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.8
Temperament and demeanor	4.8
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.7
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.7
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Lawrence P. McLellan

District Court Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously in civil litigation practice (1984–2012). Full bio (p. 23) →

Attorney survey 98.1% support retention · 156 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Joseph W. Seidlin

District Court Judge

Appointed district associate judge 2013; district court judge 2018. Previously Polk County magistrate and in private practice. Full bio (p. 23) →

Attorney survey 96.4% support retention · 138 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Kimberly Ayotte

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously a staff attorney at the Youth Law Center for 23 years. Full bio (p. 21) →

Attorney survey 85.7% support retention · 63 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.1
Temperament and demeanor	3.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.2
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.0
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.1
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.3
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.2

Jordan Brackey

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously an assistant county attorney in Webster and Polk counties. Full bio (p. 21) →

Attorney survey 98.0% support retention · 50 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Brendan Greiner

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously an assistant county attorney in Polk and Story counties. Full bio (p. 22) →

Attorney survey 63.7% support retention · 102 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.9
Perception of factual issues	3.7
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.2
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	3.7
Management and control of the courtroom	3.9
Temperament and demeanor	3.1
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.8
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.0
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.1

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.3
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.2
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	3.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	3.6

Lynn Poschner

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously in private practice. Full bio (p. 23) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 52 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.8

Ashley Stewart

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously a criminal defense attorney and an assistant state appellate defender. Full bio (p. 24) →

Attorney survey 88.9% support retention · 54 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.1
Perception of factual issues	4.2
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.3
Temperament and demeanor	4.4
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.2
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.3
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Tabitha L. Turner

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously in solo practice (criminal defense, family law, mediation). Full bio (p. 24) →

Attorney survey 91.0% support retention · 67 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.2
Perception of factual issues	4.3
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.2
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.5
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Judicial Election District

District 6

Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Tama counties · 6 judges standing for retention

Jason D. Besler

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously an assistant Linn County Attorney (2000–2018). Full bio (p. 25) →

Attorney survey 95.1% support retention · 123 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.3
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.6
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.4
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Mark D. Fisher

District Court Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously in private practice and Linn County magistrate. Full bio (p. 25) →

Attorney survey 81.7% support retention · 82 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.9
Perception of factual issues	3.9
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	4.2
Temperament and demeanor	3.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.0
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.2
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.2

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.2
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.1
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.1
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.2
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.2

Michael J. Harris

District Court Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously an assistant Linn County Attorney. Full bio (p. 25) →

Attorney survey 98.6% support retention · 70 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.4

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Angeline M. Johnston

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2007. Previously an assistant Linn County Attorney. Full bio (p. 26) →

Attorney survey 97.9% support retention · 48 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Casey D. Jones

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2007. Previously a federal public defender and managing attorney at the Linn County Advocate. Full bio (p. 26) →

Attorney survey 98.3% support retention · 59 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.7
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.8
Temperament and demeanor	4.5
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Kristin Denniger Schneider

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2025. Previously in private practice and Jones County magistrate. Full bio (p. 26) →

Attorney survey 73.9% support retention · 23 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.7
Perception of factual issues	3.8
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.0
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.0
Management and control of the courtroom	4.0
Temperament and demeanor	3.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.7
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.9
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.9

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.1
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.1
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.2
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.2

Judicial Election District

District 7

Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine, and Scott counties · 8 judges standing for retention

Joel W. Barrows

District Court Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously an assistant U.S. attorney and assistant Polk County Attorney. Full bio (p. 27) →

Attorney survey 93.9% support retention · 98 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.3
Management and control of the courtroom	4.4
Temperament and demeanor	4.4
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.2

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.5
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.5
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.5
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Henry W. Latham II

District Court Judge

Appointed 2013; chief judge since 2023. Previously in general law practice. Full bio (p. 27) →

Attorney survey 86.7% support retention · 113 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.3
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.4
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.3
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.3
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.3
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.4
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.4

Mark R. Lawson

District Court Judge

Appointed 2013. Previously in private practice in Maquoketa and Jackson County magistrate. Full bio (p. 27) →

Attorney survey 58.6% support retention · 99 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.5
Perception of factual issues	3.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	3.9
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	3.5
Management and control of the courtroom	3.7
Temperament and demeanor	2.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.8
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	3.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	3.2
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	3.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	3.0
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	3.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	3.7

Jeffrey C. McDaniel

District Court Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously in private practice in the Quad Cities. Full bio (p. 27) →

Attorney survey 75.6% support retention · 78 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	3.9
Perception of factual issues	3.9
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.3
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.2
Management and control of the courtroom	3.9
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	3.9
Promptness of rulings and decisions	3.8
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.1

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.3
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.0
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.3
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.4
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.2

Patrick A. McElyea

District Court Judge

Appointed 2017. Previously a special assistant U.S. attorney and an assistant county attorney. Full bio (p. 28) →

Attorney survey 96.0% support retention · 100 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.5
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Elizabeth O'Donnell

District Court Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously in private practice and an assistant county attorney in Black Hawk and Scott counties. Full bio (p. 28) →

Attorney survey 92.2% support retention · 64 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.6
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.7
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Tamra J. Roberts

District Court Judge

Appointed 2019. Previously Cedar County magistrate, Cedar County Attorney, and assistant attorney general. Full bio (p. 28) →

Attorney survey 92.2% support retention · 90 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.4
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.4
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.5
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Cheryl E. Traum

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2012. Previously in private practice in Davenport. Full bio (p. 28) →

Attorney survey 94.0% support retention · 50 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.4
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.4
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.4
Temperament and demeanor	4.4
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.4
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.6
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.6
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.6
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.5

Judicial Election District

District 8A

Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Monroe, Poweshiek, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington counties · 4 judges standing for retention

Dustin Hite

District Court Judge

Appointed 2025. Previously a law firm partner in Oskaloosa, Iowa House member (2019–2023), and New Sharon mayor. Full bio (p. 29) →

Attorney survey 87.5% support retention · 32 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.3
Perception of factual issues	4.4
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.4
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.2
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.3

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.1
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.4
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.1
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.5
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.3

Amber Thompson

District Court Judge

Appointed 2025. Previously Keokuk County Attorney and Mahaska County magistrate. Full bio (p. 29) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 26 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.8
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.9
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.8
Management and control of the courtroom	4.9
Temperament and demeanor	4.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.8
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.8
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.8

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.9
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.9
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.8

Susan Cole

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2024. Previously Appanoose County Attorney. Full bio (p. 29) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 15 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.7
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.6
Management and control of the courtroom	4.6
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.5
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.5

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.8
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.9
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.6

Jennifer Nicole Jensen

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2025. Previously an assistant state public defender. Full bio (p. 29) →

Attorney survey 100.0% support retention · 11 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.7
Perception of factual issues	4.7
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.9
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.6
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.6
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.7

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.8
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.8

Judicial Election District

District 8B

Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and Louisa counties · 2 judges standing for retention

Wyatt P. Peterson

District Court Judge

Appointed 2018. Previously in private practice, assistant Washington County Attorney, and Henry County magistrate. Full bio (p. 30) →

Attorney survey 89.2% support retention · 37 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.5
Perception of factual issues	4.5
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.8
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.7
Management and control of the courtroom	4.5
Temperament and demeanor	4.7
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.5
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.2
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.6

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.8
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.6
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Emily S. Dean

District Associate Judge

Appointed 2006. Previously a law firm partner in Fort Madison. Full bio (p. 30) →

Attorney survey 96.3% support retention · 27 respondents

Full ratings

Performance (5 = Excellent, 1 = Very Poor)
Knowledge and application of the law	4.6
Perception of factual issues	4.6
Punctuality for court proceedings	4.7
Attentiveness to arguments and testimony	4.5
Management and control of the courtroom	4.7
Temperament and demeanor	4.4
Clarity and quality of written opinions	4.4
Promptness of rulings and decisions	4.7
Demonstrates appropriate innovation in using technology to improve the administration of justice	4.8

Conduct (5 = Strongly Agree, 1 = Strongly Disagree)
Avoids undue personal observations or criticisms of litigants, judges and lawyers from bench or in written opinions	4.7
Decides cases on basis of applicable law and fact, not affected by outside influence	4.7
Is courteous and patient with litigants, lawyers and court personnel	4.7
Treats people equally regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or disability and demonstrates an awareness of the influence of implicit bias	4.8
Deals with pro se litigants and pro se litigation fairly and effectively	4.7

Find Your Judges

John M. Sandy

Julie A. Schumacher

Sharon Soorholtz Greer

Alan T. Heavens

Mark T. Hostager

Stephanie C. Rattenborg

Thomas J. Straka

Joel A. Dalrymple

Patrice J. Eichman

Michelle Jungers

Linnea M.N. Nicol

Christopher C. Foy

Gregg R. Rosenbladt

DeDra L. Schroeder

Colleen D. Weiland

Karen Kaufman Salic

Mark Milder

Adam Sauer

Bethany J. Currie

Angela L. Doyle

Amy Moore

Christopher C. Polking

Ashley M. Sparks

Stephen A. Owen

Joseph L. Tofilon

Charles K. Borth

Adam Miller

Carl J. Petersen

Andrew J. Smith

Jennifer Bennett Finn

Kristi Busse

Tod J. Deck

Zachary S. Hindman

Mark Cord

John C. Nelson

Daniel P. Vakulskas

Melinda B. Wicks

Donna Bothwell

Craig M. Dreismeier

Michael D. Hooper

Margaret J. Reyes

Justin Wyatt

Amy L. Zacharias

Matthew A. Schuling

Scott D. Strait

Ashley West-Joons

Nicholas Bailey

Michael K. Jacobsen

Thomas P. Murphy

Steven W. Guiter

Mark F. Schlenker

Elisabeth Reynoldson

Andrew J. Zimmerman

Scott J. Beattie

Sarah E. Crane

Celene M. Gogerty

Samantha J. Gronewald

Christopher Kemp

Coleman McAllister

Lawrence P. McLellan

Joseph W. Seidlin

Kimberly Ayotte

Jordan Brackey

Brendan Greiner

Lynn Poschner

Ashley Stewart

Tabitha L. Turner

Jason D. Besler

Mark D. Fisher

Michael J. Harris

Angeline M. Johnston

Casey D. Jones

Kristin Denniger Schneider

Joel W. Barrows

Henry W. Latham II

Mark R. Lawson

Jeffrey C. McDaniel

Patrick A. McElyea

Elizabeth O'Donnell