A District Associate Judge vacancy in Iowa’s Eighth Judicial District is set to move closer to being filled Thursday, June 4th, when four candidates will interview for the position at the Keokuk County Courthouse in Sigourney.
The vacancy was created following an Administrative Order entered by Eighth Judicial District Chief Judge Shawn Showers on April 14th, 2026, which authorized the appointment of one additional District Associate Judge to replace three part-time magistrate positions — one from Poweshiek County and two from Wapello County. The district was granted approval to fill the newly created position, with an application deadline of May 29th.
The four candidates who have submitted applications are Debra George, Elizabeth Lee, Steven Westercamp, and Misty White Willis.
Interviews will be conducted Thursday at the Keokuk County Courthouse at 101 South Main in Sigourney and will be open for public observation. Members of the public may attend and listen but will not be permitted to ask questions or make comments during the proceedings. Application materials submitted by the candidates will also be available for public review.
Following the interviews, the Judicial Nominating Commission will submit the names of two nominees to Governor Reynolds, who will then appoint one of them within 30 days.
The commission is chaired by Judge Joel Yates. Public comments or recommendations regarding the qualifications of any applicant could be directed to the District Court Administrator’s Office for the Eighth Judicial District at 333 North Court St. in Ottumwa or by emailing cathy.reck@iowacourts.gov. The deadline for public comments was Monday, June 1st at 4:00 p.m.
