Judge Steven McCullough Retires From East Central District
The long-serving jurist steps down after a distinguished 22-year career on the bench in Fargo.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law
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After two decades of service in the East Central District, Judge Steven McCullough has officially retired from his seat. Five candidates have applied to fill the judicial vacancy left in the wake of his departure.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant shift for the local court system, which recently expanded its operations under McCullough's leadership. A new presiding judge, Wade Webb, has been appointed to oversee the district during this period of change.
Five candidates have applied for the open judgeship, exceeding the single available seat. The judicial nominating committee will conduct interviews before presenting a final selection to Governor Armstrong later this year.
The players
Steven McCullough
He is the retiring East Central District judge who served on the bench for 22 years.
Wade Webb
He is a judge who will serve as the next presiding judge of the East Central District.
Governor Armstrong
He is the state official who will receive the final list of candidates from the judicial nominating committee.
The details
Judge McCullough served 22 years on the bench, a tenure that began following his election in 2004 and included running unopposed in multiple election cycles. During his time as presiding judge, he oversaw the restructuring of court schedules following the construction of an additional courtroom.
Timeline
2000: McCullough's father died at the age of 59, prompting him to seek a judgeship.
2004: McCullough was elected to his first judicial term.
2024: McCullough became the presiding judge of the East Central District.
October 2026: Judge McCullough presided over his final hearings and retired.
Late 2026: The judicial nominating committee is scheduled to present a list of candidates to Governor Armstrong.
Political Context
The transition follows the formal requirements set forth by the North Dakota judicial nominating process. This structured procedure serves as the primary mechanism for the state to manage judicial vacancies and ensure the continuity of the bench.
The transition to a new judge may shift court operations at the Cass County Courthouse as leadership changes. Residents and legal professionals should monitor the selection process to understand how the new appointment could affect ongoing and future litigation in Fargo.
The takeaway
McCullough's long tenure underscores the importance of local judicial stability in managing court resources and district schedules. Future candidates for judicial vacancies must demonstrate a similar commitment to the evolving needs of the East Central District.
What happens next
The judicial nominating committee will interview the five applicants and present a final list of candidates to Governor Armstrong by late 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local judiciary in the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INFORUM.
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