In the wake of Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher’s announcement last week that she’s resigning from the bench effective April 5, Governor Greg Gianforte announced this week that his office is now accepting applications and nominations to fill her vacancy in the Twentieth Judicial District. The chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, Mike McGrath, notified the governor of the impending vacancy March 21, and nominations are due by April 8.
Judge Deborah Kim Christopher, who has served as a county district judge for nearly 25 years, announced her resignation from the bench in a letter dated March 15.
In the letter, Judge Deborah Kim Christopher said it had been a privilege to serve Lake and Sanders counties for nearly 24 years, and she will resign effective April 5, 2024.