Commission Recommended Three Judicial Candidates
The Commission on Judicial Selection has named three candidates to fill an upcoming vacancy in Minneapolis.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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The Commission on Judicial Selection recommended Toddrick Barnette, Peter Goss, and Michelle Hayes to fill a seat in the 4th Judicial District. The vacancy will arise following the retirement of Judge Matthew G. Frank from the Minneapolis bench.
Why it matters
The recommendation marks the beginning of the transition to fill an essential judicial role in the 4th Judicial District. This selection process ensures that qualified legal professionals are identified to maintain court operations as Judge Matthew G. Frank retires.
The Commission on Judicial Selection officially forwarded 3 candidates to fill the judicial vacancy. It remains unknown which specific individual will be selected for the final appointment.
The players
Toddrick Barnette
He is the current commissioner of community safety for Minneapolis and previously served as a chief judge.
Matthew G. Frank
He is the presiding judge whose impending retirement from the 4th Judicial District created the current vacancy.
Peter Goss
He is an attorney currently serving as the associate general counsel at the global water technology company Pentair.
Michelle Hayes
She serves as a managing attorney within the 4th Judicial District Public Defender's Office.
Commission on Judicial Selection
This state entity is responsible for identifying and recommending candidates to fill judicial vacancies across Minnesota.
The details
The commission reviewed candidates to succeed Judge Matthew G. Frank, who is stepping down from his position in the 4th Judicial District. The nominees include Toddrick Barnette, who currently serves as the Minneapolis commissioner of community safety, alongside Pentair associate general counsel Peter Goss and 4th Judicial District Public Defender's Office managing attorney Michelle Hayes.
Timeline
Toddrick Barnette served as chief judge between 2020 and 2023.
The commission announced the recommendations on October 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
This selection process follows the established requirements of Minnesota's merit selection process for judicial vacancies. The transition reflects the ongoing turnover within the 4th Judicial District as senior jurists reach retirement.
Residents of the 4th Judicial District should monitor for the eventual appointment announcement as it will determine the judge presiding over future local court cases. The appointment process aims to ensure continued access to legal services for the Minneapolis community.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new judge is a critical step in maintaining the continuity of the local judicial system. Interested citizens can stay informed by tracking official gubernatorial appointments for the 4th Judicial District.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts on the Minneapolis People page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Minnesota Lawyer.
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