Chief Justice Announces Departure
Marla Luckert, the Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, declared on Friday that she will leave her post at the beginning of the new year and retire shortly thereafter.
"I am on a path to recovery," she stated in a video message, "but I have had to face a difficult truth." Luckert explained that she cannot continue to meet the full responsibilities of the chief justice role due to health reasons.
Leadership Transition and Court Changes
Her resignation as chief justice is set for January 2, with her complete retirement following in late January or early February. Justice Eric Rosen, who has been acting as interim chief during Luckert's medical absence, will officially take over the chief justice position on January 2 as the court's most senior member.
This retirement allows Democratic Governor Laura Kelly to make a fifth appointment to the state's highest court before her term concludes in 2026. Current justices Dan Biles and Eric Rosen face mandatory retirements in 2027 and 2028, respectively, under state law.
Voters in August 2026 will consider altering the selection method for Supreme Court justices, choosing between a popular vote system and the existing nomination and appointment process.
Career Highlights and Personal Statement
Luckert, 70, also revealed she is stepping down from three national committees. Before joining the Supreme Court, she served as a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming Kansas's first female chief district judge.
"I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter," she expressed.
Appointed to the Supreme Court by Governor Bill Graves in 2003, Luckert has served for 22 years and assumed the chief justice role in 2019. She reflected, "Serving as chief justice has given me a front row seat to the courage and compassion that define our judicial system."
Colleague Praise and Future Outlook
Justice Eric Rosen acknowledged in a statement that Luckert's tenure was "fraught with challenge," praising her work to strengthen governmental relationships and enhance the court system. Luckert noted that during her leadership, Kansas's governmental branches collaborated to create a judiciary better equipped to handle complex issues like mental health and child welfare.
"That spirit of cooperation gives me great hope for the future," Luckert concluded, "and confidence that the three branches can continue to build upon that foundation, and to continue to strengthen a dedicated court system designed to bring accessible justice to all."
