HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on May 10th, announced his appointment of John A. Mercer to serve on the Twentieth Judicial District Court, which includes Lake and Sanders Counties. Mercer fills the vacancy created by Twentieth Judicial District Judge Deborah Kim Christopher’s retirement.

“A Polson native, John is an accomplished attorney distinguished by his extensive legal experience and commitment to his community,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to his service to the people of Lake and Sanders Counties on the Twentieth Judicial District Court.”

Mercer graduated from the University of Montana in 1979 and the Northwestern University School of Law in 1982. He’s served as an attorney for 42 years with the law office of Turnage Mercer & Wall in Polson, and previously as President of Heritage Management Co., also in Polson.

On March 21, the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Montana notified the governor of a vacancy in the Twentieth Judicial District upon Judge Christopher’s retirement on April 6, 2024.

On March 25, the governor began soliciting applications from and nominations of any attorney in good standing with the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. The application period closed on April 8.

On April 9, the governor initiated the 30-day public comment period, which concluded on May 9.