Justin Nelson Will Join 6th Judicial District Bench
Governor Tina Kotek appointed the current Morrow County district attorney to fill an upcoming judicial vacancy.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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Governor Tina Kotek announced that Justin Nelson will serve as a circuit court judge for the 6th Judicial District, effective January 1, 2027. Nelson will succeed retiring Circuit Judge Robert W. Collins Jr. in the role.
Why it matters
The appointment ensures continuity for the 6th Judicial District, which serves Umatilla and Morrow counties, by placing an experienced prosecutor on the bench. Nelson brings over a decade of legal leadership to the position following his 2010 election as district attorney.
Justin Nelson has served as the district attorney of Morrow County since winning his first election in 2010. His jurisdiction within the 6th Judicial District covers both Morrow and Umatilla counties.
The players
Tina Kotek
Tina Kotek is the Governor of Oregon who oversees state executive appointments and judicial selections.
Justin Nelson
Justin Nelson is the Morrow County district attorney and county counsel who has been selected to serve on the circuit court.
Robert W. Collins Jr.
Robert W. Collins Jr. is a retiring circuit court judge in the 6th Judicial District.
The details
Nelson is a graduate of Heppner High School and holds a juris doctor from Willamette University College of Law. He previously served in the Umatilla County District Attorney's Office and currently holds the position of Morrow County counsel.
Timeline
Justin Nelson was first elected as district attorney in 2010.
Governor Kotek announced the judicial appointment on September 22, 2026.
Nelson will officially begin his role as circuit court judge on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
The appointment of Nelson follows the established legal framework for filling mid-term judicial vacancies in Oregon. This transition reflects the ongoing evolution of legal leadership across the state's regional judicial districts.
Residents of Umatilla and Morrow counties will see a change in judicial leadership starting in 2027. The appointment ensures that the 6th Judicial District remains fully staffed to handle ongoing court matters.
The takeaway
The transition marks a shift in regional leadership as a veteran prosecutor moves to the bench to manage local caseloads. Residents can expect a seamless change in court operations when the new judge assumes office early next year.
What happens next
Justin Nelson will assume his new duties as a circuit court judge on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal leadership transitions, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by East Oregonian.
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