Circuit Court Judge Selected
Governor Makes Appointment
After a months-long process, Governor Wes Moore has named Magistrate Kevin Hill as Judge of the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court, filling a role left vacant by the passing of Judge Michael Stamm in 2024. Announced on Friday, June 6th, the appointment concludes a selection process with many well-known local names in the mix.
When a judicial vacancy occurs the Governor selects a nominating commission tasked with reviewing and nominating applicants for the Governor’s review. Maryland’s Constitution requires applicants to meet six legal qualifications, among them being a citizen, registered to vote, and a resident of the State for at least 5 years. Additionally, the Constitution states anyone selected for a judgeship must be “distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge.”
Members of the nominating commission came from Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Those from Calvert County were Rebecca Cordero, Rose C. Crunkelton, Melissa Ann Miller, Allison Hyde Smart, Nicholas Ferrante and Tracey McKirgan; and from St. Mary’s County Kelsey R.M. Bush, Rose Victoria Frederick, Kevin J. McDevitt, David Stamm, Margaret Maupin, and Daniel Armitage.
A pool of six candidates were considered: Marsha L. Williams, Magistrate Kevin R. Hill, Buffy N. Giddens, Sue Ann L. Armitage, John A. Mattingly Jr., and Daniel A. Slade. Four of the six moved forward as nominees to the Governor in April 2025, with Mattingly and Slade not selected.
Judge Hill
Magistrate, now Judge, Hill will stand for election in 2026. Maryland law stipulates a Judge appointed will serve until the first general election occurring at least one year after the vacancy was created. Though often referred to as a “nonpartisan” election, candidates are elected on a bi-partisan basis appearing without a party designation on both Democratic and Republican ballots. The candidates will not appear on the ballot for those registered Unaffiliated. If a candidate wins the majority of both ballots in the primary, the race is effectively decided.
In a press release issued on Friday, Governor Moore said the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court is “gaining [a] remarkable steward of the law [and a] dedicated public servant.”
“I am confident he will continue his work to bring our state ever-closer to the full promise of equal justice for all,” Moore continued.
Earlier this year, legislation was introduced in the General Assembly to add a fourth Circuit Court Judge in St. Mary’s County to address the 261% increase in jury trials. Ultimately that legislation failed to pass though it may return next year.
