Governor Kelly Appoints Jay D. Befort to Fill District Court Position in the Third Judicial District

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Jay D. Befort of Topeka to a judgeship position in the Third Judicial District. The position was created through the appointment of Judge Rachel Pickering to the Kansas Court of Appeals.

“Jay has had a long history of advocating on behalf of Kansans in Topeka,” Governor Kelly said. “He is an experienced and skilled attorney, and I am positive he will bring a unique perspective to the Third District Bench.”

Befort currently serves as General Counsel for the Kansas Department of Revenue. He is active in the legal community with his membership in Topeka Bar Association and Kansas Bar Association.

“I am honored to be the Governor’s appointment to the Third Judicial District and look forward to serve the people and the many outstanding practitioners in Shawnee County and the state of Kansas,” Befort said. “My gratitude extends to my family, the Governor, and the members of the Nominating Commission, and all those who have placed their confidence and trust in my experience and ability to hear and decide cases justly and impartially.”

District Court Judges in the Third Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years.

The other nominees selected by the district nominating commission were Ashley Long and Todd Thornburg.

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