The race features Republican candidate George Brauchler, a former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District and former attorney general candidate who lives in Douglas County. He faces Democratic candidate Karen Breslin, a University of Colorado Denver political science professor and practicing attorney with experience in environmental and land use law who lives in Elbert County.

Judge Stuart noted that the political structure of Arapahoe County differs significantly from that of Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

“In the last district attorney race, we saw a close election, with the Democrat leading in Arapahoe County and the Republican candidate gaining more support in Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln,” he said.

The creation of the new district has the potential to reshape the local political landscape, with Brauchler seen by many as a leader. Beyond the political implications, judicial restructuring will bring practical changes to the operation of Colorado’s judicial system. Currently, the 18th Judicial District is the largest in the state, serving one million residents. Judge Stuart explained that the division aims to streamline administrative services and bring judicial resources closer to the populations they serve.

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“There is a chief judge, a court administrator and a chief probation officer for each judicial district,” Stuart explained. “Now, the 23rd will have its own administrative staff, making decisions that more directly address the needs of Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.”

For the residents of the 23rd Judicial District, this change means more localized judicial services. For example, specialized courts, such as veterans treatment, sobriety and mental health courts, will now operate outside of Douglas County, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Arapahoe for these services.

Behind the scenes, preparations for the new district have been extensive since 2020. From hiring a new court executive director and chief probation officer to installing IT and administrative systems, the judicial branch has worked alongside state and local officials to ensure a seamless transition.

“We’re almost paperless now,” Judge Stuart said, “and all the systems are computerized, which adds a layer of complexity compared to the last time Colorado created a district in 1964.”

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The Legislature also passed Amendment D in 2022, clarifying how judges will be appointed to the 23rd Judicial District. The voter-approved constitutional amendment allowed Governor Polis to select judges from the 18th Judicial District to serve in the 23rd, ensuring the appointment of an adequate number of judges without forcing any of them to move because judges must live in their districts respectively.

One of the main objectives of this restructuring is to improve access to justice. Stuart said the localized administration of the new district is expected to make court services more efficient and responsive to the communities it serves. Already, case assignment adjustments have reduced the wait time for contested divorce cases in Douglas County from a year to less than six months.

“Having administrative staff in those courts who understand local needs will ensure that decisions reflect the unique demographics and challenges of each county,” Stuart said.

As the launch date of January 14, 2025 approaches, Judge Stuart emphasized that the response from community partners has been overwhelmingly supportive. Local governments in Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties worked closely with the judicial branch to ensure adequate space and resources for the new district services.

The groundwork laid over the last four years underscores the spirit of cooperation in this historic transition.

“Our mission is to uphold the rule of law and improve public safety,” Stuart said. “With this new structure, we hope to improve access to justice for everyone in Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.”

Judge Stuart emphasized that those living in the new 23rd Judicial District will continue to deal with most of the same judges and will be assisted by the same clerks and support staff “dedicated to upholding the rule of law.” and enhance public safety.

“Our hope is that we will improve access to justice in this process.”