Columbia, MO – Missouri’s largest labor organization, the Missouri AFL-CIO, announced its Executive Board has formally endorsed Jeff Harris for Circuit Judge, citing his vast legal experience and dedication to public service.
Harris, who currently serves as Policy Director in the Missouri Governor’s Office, announced last month that he will file for the judgeship when candidate filing begins in February. The seat covering Boone and Callaway Counties is in Division 2 of the 13th Judicial Circuit of Missouri, which handles general civil and criminal dockets.
“Our state’s justice system works best when we have well-qualified judges, who are used to making the tough decisions,” said Missouri AFL-CIO President Mike Louis. “Jeff Harris has practiced law in our state and federal courtrooms, written the law as House Minority leader, and implemented the law in the Governor’s Office. On behalf of the Executive Board of the Missouri AFL-CIO, we enthusiastically endorse Jeff Harris for Circuit Judge. Missourians will be well served with him on the bench.”
Prior to running for a full term, it was announced last month that Harris will accept an appointment by Gov. Jay Nixon to the judgeship in the spring upon the retirement of well-respected Circuit Judge Gary Oxenhandler, who will reach the mandatory retirement age for judges on April 21, 2016.
“I appreciate the AFL-CIO’s support and look forward to taking the bench next spring,” Harris said. “I’m confident my 24 years of legal experience have prepared me well to be the next Circuit Judge for Boone and Callaway counties.”
