Governor Tate Reeves has announced the appointment of Judge Brad Touchstone as 15th Circuit Court District Judge replacing former judge, Tony Mozingo.

“Judge Touchstone has had a long and distinguished career in the legal field,” said Governor Reeves.

“I personally witnessed his strong leadership skills in the Mississippi Legislature and have no doubt that he will continue to make a positive contribution in his community in this new role. I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish and wish him the best of luck.”

Touchstone has served as Lamar County Court Judge since 2019 and is a former State Representative for District 101.

His previous experience also includes serving as County Prosecuting Attorney for Lamar County, City Attorney for Lumberton, a public defender for Lamar County Justice Court,and an extensive civil private practice.

Touchstone earned a J.D. from the Mississippi College School of Law, MBA from Millsaps College, BBA from Millsaps College, and an A.A. from Pearl River Community College.

Touchstone’s term began on Jan 1. Governor Reeves will call a special election to be held on Nov. 7.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the four-year term.

Judge Tony Mozingo announced his retirement Oct. 4 from the 15th Judicial District Court of Mississippi to become the new Executive Director of the Homes of Hope for Children.

He was unopposed on the ballot in the November election. Since qualifying had closed, the ballot was set and unable to be changed.

Mozingo served the circuit court in Jefferson Davis County since 2010 and began his new position with the children’s ministry on Jan. 1, 2023.

Along with Jefferson Davis County, the 15th Circuit Court Judicial District includes Lamar, Lawrence, Marion and Pearl River Counties.

Jefferson Davis County has three total circuit judge posts. The other two serving the Fifteenth District are Prentiss Harrell and Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald.

“Being a judge is not a new thing for me, but this is definitely going to be a new role,” saidI grew up in an humble background. I was raised in a place where money was tight. court orders if seif i ever a need for a want. i am a very conservaitve person and i respoect the fact that the money we spend is not ours. anytime i come to you for something it will be well thought out it will be prudent and i wont do anything until i talk to yall about it. I look forward to working with each and every one of you.