A merit selection panel has recommended three candidates to Governor Walz for an upcoming vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The vacancy arises from the retirement of the Honorable Michelle A. Larkin and is designated for Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District.
The recommended candidates are John Bowen, Nathaniel Welte, and Heather Wynn. John Bowen currently serves as a judge in the Tenth Judicial District, chambered in Wright County, and presides over the Wright County Treatment Court. He previously worked as an assistant civil division chief in the Wright County Attorney's Office.
Nathaniel Welte is a judge in the Seventh Judicial District, chambered in Stearns County, where he has been assigned to the Stearns County Domestic Violence Court. His prior experience includes roles as an assistant county attorney, assistant public defender, and private practice attorney.
Heather Wynn, a judge in the Tenth Judicial District, chambered in Pine County, leads the Children’s Justice Initiative for several counties. She also serves as faculty for judicial education programs and as a mentor judge. Wynn previously worked as an assistant county attorney and a solo practitioner. Governor Walz will now consider these finalists for the judicial appointment.