TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Michael Llamas as chief judge of the 9th Judicial District, effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
Llamas will succeed Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder, whose term concludes at the end of 2025. The 9th Judicial District covers Harvey and McPherson counties.
“We appreciate Judge Llamas taking on the responsibilities of chief judge to provide leadership continuity for the 9th Judicial District,” said Acting Chief Justice Eric Rosen. “We also thank Chief Judge Wilder for her leadership and great service to the courts during her years in that role.”
Llamas has served as a district judge in the 9th Judicial District since 2022. “I am honored for this opportunity to serve as chief judge,” Llamas said. “I look forward to this new challenge and will do my best to serve the 9th Judicial District.”
A Newton native, Llamas earned his undergraduate degree from Wichita State University and his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. He practiced privately before becoming an assistant Harvey County attorney and later served as city prosecutor for Hesston and municipal court judge in Burrton, Walton, and Florence.
He is an active member of the Kansas District Judges Association and the Harvey County Bar Association.
About the Chief Judge Role
Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to presiding over cases, oversees case assignments, court administration, and clerical operations within the district to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the judicial system.