Governor’s statement on Justice Johnson’s retirement

“Justice Lee Johnson has been a dedicated and distinguished public servant, first in Sumner County and then for 18 years on the bench in Kansas, to include 12 years on the Kansas Supreme Court,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank him for his service to the state and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

The process to fill the vacancy will begin with the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, which will submit the names of three qualified individuals to the governor. The governor interviews the candidates and makes the appointment. Supreme Court justices stand for retention every six years.