Kemp names Tommy Smith to serve Middle Judicial Circuit

ATLANTA (AP) - Gov. Brian P. Kemp has filled a vacancy on the Superior Court of the Middle Judicial Circuit.

Kemp announced Monday that he’s chose Tommy J. Smith to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Kathy Palmer. Palmer served on the court from 2001 to April 2020. She left the bench to seek a seat in the state Senate, but lost in the Republican primary.

“I am confident that Tommy will serve Georgians well on the Middle Judicial Circuit,” Kemp said in a statement. “He has the right background, expertise, and temperament for this role, and I know he will lead by example and excel on the bench.”

Smith, of Lyons, earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and law degree from the University of Georgia. He has served as a law clerk, attorney, municipal court judge, solicitor general, and state court judge.