January 30, 2026

Governor Kelly Appoints Karl Harris to Fill District Magistrate Position in the 16th Judicial District

wooden gavel and books on wooden table,on brown background

wooden gavel and books on wooden table,on brown background

Topeka–Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday appointed Karl Harris of Meade County to the vacant district magistrate judgeship position in the 16th Judicial District.

“Karl Harris will use his decades of law enforcement experience to continue to uphold the law, foster public trust, and protect justice in the 16th Judicial District,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am confident he will diligently serve Meade County in this new role.”

Harris has served Meade County for over 27 years in the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Since April 2021, he has worked as the undersheriff and jail administrator after previously serving as the senior deputy in the department.

“It is a great honor to have been appointed by Governor Kelly,” Karl Harris said. “I look forward to continuing my service to this great community and the 16th Judicial District in this new capacity.” 

District Magistrate Judges in the 16th Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified at the next general election to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.