Governor Walz Appoints Heidi Hovis to Seventh Judicial District as Applications Open for Third District Vacancy

ST. PAUL, Minn. | January 10, 2026
Minnesota’s judicial system saw significant movement on Friday as Tim Walz announced a new district court appointment while the Commission on Judicial Selection opened the application process for an upcoming vacancy in southern Minnesota.

Together, the actions reflect the state’s merit-based judicial selection process, balancing continuity on the bench with an open call for the next generation of judicial leadership.

Heidi Hovis Appointed to the Seventh Judicial District

Governor Walz appointed Heidi Hovis as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District. Hovis will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Daniel A. Benson and will be chambered in Long Prairie, serving Todd County.

“Heidi Hovis’ experience as a public defender, legal aid attorney, judicial officer, tribal attorney, and senior general counsel has given her the skills and insight Todd County deserves,” Governor Walz said in a statement. “I have full confidence that she will be an excellent judge.”

Hovis currently serves as an assistant public defender in the Seventh Judicial District Public Defender’s Office and is an adjunct professor in the paralegal program at North Hennepin Community College. She is also a member of Stearns County Treatment Court and serves as a volunteer conciliation court referee in Wright County.

Her prior legal experience includes work as a staff attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and as senior associate general counsel at the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Beyond the courtroom, Hovis is active in community service, serving on the board of Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity and the Minnesota Women Lawyers Central Chapter, as well as on the advisory board of the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts.

Hovis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Winona State University and her Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

The Seventh Judicial District spans a large region of central and western Minnesota, encompassing Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, and Wadena counties.

Commission Opens Applications for Third Judicial District Seat

At the same time, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced an upcoming vacancy in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District following the retirement of the Honorable Ross L. Leuning. The seat will be chambered in Albert Lea and will serve Freeborn County.

The Third Judicial District covers 11 counties in southeastern Minnesota: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona.

The commission is seeking applicants who demonstrate integrity, judicial temperament, legal knowledge, professional ability, and a strong record of community service. In accordance with state statute, the commission emphasized its commitment to identifying candidates who reflect Minnesota’s full diversity.

Application materials must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on January 30, 2026, and should be addressed to Commission Chair Erin Sindberg Porter. Applications may be requested and submitted via email to Judicial.Selection@state.mn.us. The commission expects to conduct interviews in mid-February.

Judges currently serving in the Third Judicial District have also offered to provide informational interviews to prospective applicants interested in learning more about the role and responsibilities of the district court bench.

Minnesota’s Judicial Selection Process

Minnesota fills district court vacancies through a merit-based system in which the Commission on Judicial Selection evaluates applicants and forwards recommendations to the governor. The process is designed to promote judicial independence, professional excellence, and public trust in the courts.

Additional information about judicial vacancies and the selection process is available through the Governor’s Judicial Appointments webpage.

MinneapoliMedia