Kansas Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Wilson is resigning from the high court after she was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The court announced her resignation effective July 4 after she was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
She said the disease has now affected her to the point that her ability to serve as a justice “is no longer at the level of excellence sufficient to suit me.”
“My tenure as a Supreme Court justice has been a rare gift, and I know it,” Wilson wrote in announcing her resignation.
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve with other justices who have demonstrated utmost integrity, hard work, and legal prowess under circumstances both extreme and mundane,” Wilson said
Wilson was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019 after serving as a judge in the 3rd Juidicial District, which is composed of Shawnee County.
She was appointed a district judge in 2004 and served as the district’s chief judge from 2014 until she was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019.
She replaced Justice Lee Johnson, who retired from the court in September 2019 after serving 12 years.
She is a graduate of Bethany College and Washburn University School of Law. She practiced law in northwest Kansas and Topeka before becoming a judge.
Chief Justice Marla Luckert, who also came to the Supreme Court from the 3rd Judicial District, said Wilson will be missed.
“Justice Wilson is both a valued work colleague and a dear friend,” Luckert said.
“She is an outstanding person and jurist who demonstrates daily what it means to be fair and impartial through her demeanor, her words, and her deeds.
“My high esteem for her has risen to new heights as I’ve observed her courage facing her health challenges.
“We will miss her presence on our court, but we understand and support her decision to focus on her health.”
The governor reflected fondly about Wilson’s contributions to the court.
“During her time on the Kansas Supreme Court, Justice Wilson has upheld the values that matter most to Kansans: integrity, commonsense, and an unwavering commitment to justice and the law,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement.
“I thank her for her many years of service to Kansans and wish her the best.”
A nine-person committee, made up of five lawyers and four nonlawyers, will screen applicants to replace Wilson.
The panel will recommend three candidates to the governor to choose from to appoint to the court.
The panel could be scrapped if voters approve a constitutional amendment in 2026 that calls for moving the state to direct election of Supreme Court elections.
The panel’s members include:
Gloria G. Farha Flentje of Wichita, chair
First Congressional District member, Robert J. Frederick of Lakin
First Congressional District member, Diane Oakes of Lawrence
Second Congressional District member, Jennifer M. Cocking of Emporia
Second Congressional District member, Frances Gorman Graves of Batlett
Third Congressional District member, Katie A. McClaflin of Overland Park
Third Congressional District member, Carol S. Marinovich of Kansas City
Fourth Congressional District member, Thomas J. Lasater, Wichita
Fourth Congressional District member, Ebony S. Clemons-Ajibolade, Wichita
Wilson praised the current system for vetting justices.
“I know from experience the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, and the KBI, will investigate any applicant for my position as thoroughly and vigorously as they
investigated me,” Wilson wrote.
“I know the one person who ultimately survives this focused examination will be exceptionally qualified to succeed me.
“That gives me great comfort, because this job is as extremely and unrelentingly difficult as it is rewarding,” she said.
