Polk County Judge - 2022 Primary

Five lawyers are running in the nonpartisan race for Polk County judge, group 8. There is no incumbent; the previous group 8 judge, Susan Barber, was elected to the circuit court without opposition and will replace Judge Donald Jacobsen, who is retiring. County judges typically hear cases involving criminal misdemeanors, traffic cases and civil cases under $30,000 (That cap rises to $50,000 in Jan. 1). The term of office is six years.

John Flynn

Mulberry, age 48
Website
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Campaign finance
Current occupation: Private practice focusing on criminal cases with experience in family and civil law; former prosecutor
Campaign slogan: I am a Believer in the Constitution
Endorsements: Sheriff Grady Judd, Kevin Balentine, Esq., Valerie Wright, Esq., Lopez & Humphries, PA, Fat Jack’s owner Mark Westfall

Ruth Moracen Knight

Lakeland, age 54
Website
Facebook
Campaign finance
Current occupation: Public Defender’s Office or 20 years.
Campaign slogan: The necessary experience, temperament and skills to be elected as county judge
Endorsements: Polk County Voters’ League, Polk County Democratic Black Caucus

Carmalita Lall

Lakeland, age 54
Website
Personal Facebook Page
Campaign finance
Current occupation: Private practice specializing in civil real estate litigation; former assistant public defender
Campaign slogan: I will serve with dedication, fairness, and integrity.

Adam David Patton

Lakeland, age 43
Website
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Campaign finance
Current occupation: Solo legal practice specializing in criminal, family, collaborative and civil law; former prosecutor
Campaign slogan: Vote Patton for Judge
Endorsements: Dr. Larry Padgett, Flightline Cafe owner Kal Scarvers

Tara Wheat

Winter Haven, age 39
Website
Facebook | Instagram
Campaign finance
Current occupation: Public Defender’s Office for six years; previously, public school teacher
Campaign slogan: The Right Balance
Endorsements: Seven local attorneys, PalletOne President Howe Wallace, Polk State College Director of Student Life Melvin Thompson, Retired FDLE Supervisor David Waller