TOPEKA— The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges across the state to new two-year terms beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2027.
Among the local reappointments are Chief Judge Daniel Gilligan of the 27th Judicial District, which covers Reno County, and Chief Judge William Mott of the 30th Judicial District, which includes Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner counties.
Reno County – 27th Judicial District
Chief Judge Daniel Gilligan has served as a district judge since 2022 and as chief judge since 2024. A graduate of Wichita State University and Washburn University School of Law, Gilligan began his career with Kansas Legal Services and later worked for the Reno County District Attorney’s Office before his appointment to the bench in 2019.
South Central Kansas – 30th Judicial District
Chief Judge William Mott has served as a district judge since 2007 and as chief judge since 2017. Mott earned degrees from Friends University and Washburn University School of Law. Before becoming a judge, he practiced law in Wellington, served as Sumner County Attorney, and worked as a special assistant U.S. attorney in Wichita.
Chief Judge Role
Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who not only hears cases but also oversees case assignments, court administration, and the management of judicial staff and resources. The Kansas Supreme Court makes these appointments every two years to ensure consistency and leadership across the state’s court system.