photo by: Courtesy of Kansas Supreme Court

Judge Mark Simpson

The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Mark Simpson as chief judge of the 7th Judicial District, in Douglas County, effective Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027.

He will succeed Chief Judge James McCabria whose term expires Dec. 31. The 7th Judicial District is Douglas County. McCabria has been chief judge since 2020.

“We appreciate Judge Simpson taking on the responsibilities of chief judge to provide leadership continuity for the 7th Judicial District,” Acting Chief Justice Eric Rosen said. “We also thank Chief Judge McCabria for his leadership and great service to the courts during his years in that role.”

Simpson has served as a district judge in the 7th Judicial District since 2019. He presides over the Douglas County Drug Court and handles Chapter 60 civil cases, criminal probation violations and involuntary treatment for mental illness cases.

“I’m honored to serve as chief judge and pleased to continue working alongside the dedicated professionals at the Douglas County District Court,” Simpson said in a news release from the Supreme Court.

Simpson earned his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2008. After law school, he joined the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, where he was an assistant district attorney and senior assistant district attorney.

photo by: Chris Conde/Journal-World

Chief Judge James McCabria speaks at a swearing-in ceremony for Judge Carl Folsom III on Dec. 2, 2022, at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.

McCabria said that in his nearly six years as chief judge he had learned a tremendous amount about “all that is required for the court to fulfill its role in our community and our state. It has been a genuine honor and privilege.”

As he contemplated whether to serve another two-year term, he said he realized that the time for transitioning to a new chief judge was now.

“I am pleased that the Supreme Court agreed,” he said in an email, “and I am confident that Judge Simpson will make be an excellent ambassador and administrator for the Seventh Judicial District.”

McCabria thanked his “outstanding colleagues and dedicated district court staff for all of the help, encouragement and education they have provided to me during my time as chief judge.”

Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.