A prosecutor in Baldwin County put her name in the hat for a new Circuit Court judge position.
Spanish Fort prosecutor Karol Kemp has been involved in the Baldwin County judicial system for 21 years. She has served as assistant district attorney, mediator and is currently a Baldwin County Court Referee.
"I've worked hard throughout my legal career in a variety of positions that give me insight into every facet of the court system and how it can impact people and their families," Kemp said. "That insight and experience are absolutely crucial for a judge to have, especially in a circuit court position that will be geared toward family court issues. I know that I have the necessary skills and knowledge to be a fair-minded judge for all the people of Baldwin County."
Due to continued growth in Baldwin County, the Alabama Legislature approved a new district judge and two new circuit judges during this 2023 regular session.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in business management from Western Kentucky University, Kemp earned her law degree from the University of Alabama in 1992.
She moved to Baldwin County and was the assistant district attorney from 1992 until 1997. She became Spanish Fort's prosecutor in 2001 and ran a law firm for 20 years. After running her own practice, Kemp joined Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne, a law firm in Fairhope, last year.
"She formerly served as President of the Baldwin County Bar Association and is a current member of the Baldwin Court Services Board of Directors," a press release stated. "She previously served as the Chair of the Baldwin County Grievance Committee and is a former Board Member for The Lighthouse, a family violence shelter that services needs throughout Southwest Alabama."
Kemp is also a member of the Eastern Shore Republican Women and South Baldwin Republican Women.
The primary for the position is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The District Court judge position will also be on the ballot next year. Daphne Municipal Judge Michael Hoyt announced he would run for the district seat.
The second added Circuit Court judge place will not be filled until the 2026 election.
Mobile County is also getting a new district judge seat which will be on the ballot in 2024.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
