Twelve Candidates Seek Two Newly Created Judicial Seats in Northeast Florida

New Openings on the Bench

The process is underway to appoint a new Clay County judge and a new 4th Circuit judge following the creation of two judicial seats in Northeast Florida. These positions were authorized earlier this year during the 2025 legislative session.

Strong Interest in the Roles

A total of twelve attorneys, magistrates, and judges have submitted their applications for the two available seats. Of these, four candidates applied for both openings, highlighting the level of interest and competition for the appointments.

How the Selection Will Proceed

The 4th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is currently reviewing applications and contacting references provided by the applicants. After this stage, commissioners will conduct interviews with all candidates. Once deliberations are complete, the commission will submit the names of three to six nominees for each seat to the Governor.

The Governor’s staff will interview the nominees in Tallahassee. Following these interviews, the Governor will either appoint one of the recommended nominees or request that the commission put forward additional names.

Applicants for the Clay County Judgeship

The candidates for the new Clay County Court seat are:

• Joshua Beard, assistant public defender in the 4th Judicial Circuit

• Hector Murcia Bustos, assistant state attorney in the 4th Judicial Circuit

• Amber Donley, general magistrate in the 4th Judicial Circuit

• Ernie Dukes, attorney with Morgan & Morgan in Jacksonville

• Geraldine Hartin, partner at Hamilton & Hartin in Fleming Island

The commission will interview these applicants beginning at 9:30 a.m. on August 22 at the Clay County Courthouse, 915 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs.

Applicants for the 4th Circuit Judgeship

In addition to Beard, Donley, Dukes, and Hartin, the following candidates are seeking the 4th Judicial Circuit Court seat:

• Marquita Green, general magistrate in the 4th Judicial Circuit

• Jenny Higginbotham, Nassau County judge

• Katelyn Johnston, assistant general counsel, City of Jacksonville

• Matthew Lufrano, owner and shareholder at Lufrano Legal P.A.

• Kristina Mobley, Clay County judge

• Joel Powell, assistant state attorney in the 4th Judicial Circuit

• Nicole Saunders, administrative law judge with the state Division of Administrative Hearings

Interviews for this seat will begin at 9:30 a.m. on September 2 in Room 7139 at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville.

Open to the Public

All proceedings of the Judicial Nominating Commission are open to the public, with the exception of private deliberations. This ensures transparency as the process moves forward in selecting nominees for these important judicial roles.