Samuel Keirns to Run for Allen Superior Court Seat

Magistrate Samuel Keirns seeks election to the Criminal Division No. 5 seat ahead of the November 3 vote.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Criminal Justice

Samuel Keirns to Run for Allen Superior Court Seat

Live Poll

Do you support the proposed Indiana constitutional amendment to allow judges to deny bail?

Magistrate Samuel Keirns is campaigning for the Allen Superior Court Criminal Division No. 5 seat held by Judge Fran Gull. The election is set for November 3.

Why it matters

The judicial race coincides with a state ballot initiative that could change how local courts handle bail. Voters will also decide on Indiana Public Question No. 1, which aims to allow judges to deny bail in more circumstances.

Magistrate Samuel Keirns brings 28 years of total criminal justice experience, including 15 years as a magistrate, to his bid for the court seat. Voters will select from three candidates on November 3.

The players

Samuel Keirns

He is a magistrate in the Allen Superior Court and an adjunct professor at Purdue Fort Wayne.

Fran Gull

She is the current judge holding the seat in the Allen Superior Court Criminal Division No. 5.

The details

Candidates in this race are vying for the seat currently held by Judge Fran Gull, with Rick Treviño and Christina Gull also running for the position. The election happens alongside a proposal requiring prosecutors to prove with clear-and-convincing evidence that no reasonable bail conditions ensure community safety.

The Allen County reentry court program was established in the early 2000s.
Election Day for the judicial seat and ballot measure is November 3, 2026.

Legal Context

This election occurs alongside the statewide push for Indiana Public Question No. 1, which seeks to expand judicial discretion in denying bail. The race highlights ongoing regional debates regarding pretrial detention and community safety standards.

Residents of Fort Wayne will see their judicial leadership and bail procedures potentially shift following the November 3 election. Voters are encouraged to review how the proposed clear-and-convincing-evidence standard may alter local detention protocols.

The takeaway

Voters should examine both the candidates' judicial philosophies and the implications of the state bail proposal. Understanding the clear-and-convincing-evidence standard is essential for informed participation in this election.