Judge John Beger announced Friday he will run for re-election to the office of circuit judge, division 2, of the 25th Judicial Circuit.
The 25th Circuit includes Pulaski, Texas, Maries and Phelps counties. Beger, a Republican, was elected without opposition in 2014 to the last two years of a term originally held by Judge Mary Sheffield, who was named to the Court of Appeals. In 2016, he will seek a full six-year term.
“It has been my honor to serve the people of the 25th Circuit and the State of Missouri for these two years,” said Beger, “and I look forward to continuing that service for a full term.”
Beger, 61, of Rolla, practiced law throughout southern Missouri for 31 years before he was elected Phelps County prosecuting attorney in 2010. He received more than 70 percent of the vote against the incumbent.
Beger was the first lawyer in Missouri to be certified as both a civil and criminal trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and was named one of the top lawyers in Missouri and Kansas by lawyer rating firm Thomson Reuters before being elected prosecutor in Phelps County.
Circuit judges routinely handle felony and larger civil cases. In addition to hearing cases in the four counties of the 25th Circuit, Beger has been assigned by the Missouri Supreme Court to handle cases outside the circuit, including St. Francois, Shannon, Howell, Greene, Franklin and Boone counties.
“I believe my extensive experience as a lawyer and prosecutor uniquely qualify me for the job of circuit judge,” he said.
Beger’s wife of 34 years, Cindy is a broker-agent with Investment Realty in Rolla. They have two daughters and recently welcomed their first grandson born to their older daughter and her husband. They are active in their church, Ozark Highlands Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, as well as various charitable organizations and foundations.