Judge J. Kendall Gross will resign from his position as the state court judge in Candler County, according to a letter sent to Governor Brian Kemp.
Gross, who has served as State Court Judge for the last fourteen years, intends to run for the position of Superior Court Judge in the Middle Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Candler, Emanuel, Jefferson, Toombs, and Washington counties. His resignation is effective March 3, 2026.
Superior Court Judge Bobby Reeves, who is one of two superior court judges for the Middle Circuit, is not seeking re-election at the end of his term, which ends on December 31, 2026. Reeves agreed not to run again as part of an agreement with the Judicial Qualifications Commission in 2024.
The timing of the resignation will prompt an appointment by Kemp until the next regular election in 2028. Rumored candidates for the seat include criminal defense attorney and Candler County Magistrate Judge Gabe Cliett and current Candler County State Court Solicitor Brent Carter.
“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Candler County for the past 14 years. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for the citizens of Candler County for the trust and confidence they have placed in me over the years,” Gross said in his letter to Kemp. “It has been my privilege to serve this community and to work toward ensuring that justice is administered fairly for every residence who has appeared before this court alongside dedicated court professionals and staff.”
Gross also thanked State Court Clerk Jenny Grimes and her staff and the local law enforcement community for their efforts to ensure an efficient and safe operation of the judicial system.
The position of state court judge in Candler County is part-time and Gross has simultaneously operated his private practice firm in Metter and served as the county attorney for the Candler County Board of Commissioners. Should he be successful in his quest to serve on the superior court bench, a full-time position, he will be required to close his private practice and resign from the position with the county.
