Two veteran Pierce County judges won’t seek re-election

Two long-time Pierce County Superior Court judges have announced they will not seek re-election this year.

Vicki Hogan has served on the Superior Court bench for 23 years, Ronald Culpepper for 19.

Culpepper told The News Tribune last week he intends to serve out the remainder of his term, which expires in early January 2017.

Hogan declined to say whether she will serve out the remainder of her term, which also expires in January 2017, or possibly leave early.

The county’s 22 Superior Court judges preside over felony criminal cases, divorces and high-dollar civil disputes, among other duties. They make about $150,000 a year.

Filing for elective office in Pierce County is May 16 to May 20 this year, with judicial elections set to take place Aug. 2.

All 22 seats on the Superior Court bench are up for election this year.

This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 6:31 AM with the headline "Two veteran Pierce County judges won’t seek re-election."