18th Circuit Judge, Group 21
Circuit court judges are elected in the General by voters and serve 6 year terms. At the end of each term they run for the seat again. If they run unopposed, they win the election automatically. If a vacancy is created between elections, they are appointed by the Governor.
Job Details
They oversee criminal and civil cases. This includes felonies, family law, civil cases above $30,000, probate, mental health, and some appeals.
Judicial candidates must be impartial. They are not allowed to run on a platform or declare a party affiliation.
Learn More About Circuit Court
Appointment Process
While circuit judges are meant to be elected, sometimes a vacancy is created from a judge leaving their position or a new position being created. There is a Judicial Nominating Commission for the each of the circuit courts. The Commission includes 9 members. 5 are directly appointed by the Governor. The other 4 are also appointed by the Governor, but from a list of 3 nominees provided by the Florida Bar. If the Governor doesn’t like the list, he can request a new one until he finds a nominee he likes.
General Information
The race for 18th Circuit Judge, Group 21 has two lawyers competing for the seat. There is no incumbent defending this seat.
- Video: Donna Goerner: Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board Interview (16:47)
- Video: Marc Jones: Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board Interview (14:31)
- Video: Florida Today Editorial Board Interview with Both Candidates (44:07)
- Q&A: Vote411 Voter Guide
- Video: Group Forum, 18th Circuit Candidates, League of Women Voters Seminole County (90:00)
Donna M. Goerner - Winner (59%)
★ Endorsed by the Orlando Sentinel
Campaign Website | Facebook | Twitter
Donna Goerner started her career as an Assistant State Attorney. Right now, she is a defense attorney for the public and private sectors in her own private practice firm. She also has some experience in civil cases and is a certified family mediator. She was in the courtroom an average of 3-4 days per week. She ran unsuccessfully for judge in a 3-way race in 2014.
Additional Background
- Editorial Endorsement: We recommend Donna Goerner in 18th Circuit Judge Group 21 | Florida Today | 2020
- Video: 2014 Race: Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board Interview with All 3 Candidates (51:04)
- Q&A: One Senior Place
Marc Jones
Campaign Website | Facebook | YouTube | Bio on Law Firm's Website
Before becoming a lawyer, Marc Jones spent several years in the business world. He then entered real estate development. After obtaining his law degree, he started at a local litigation firm, and eventually opened his own practice in Oviedo. He also has experience as a mediator.
Additional Background
- Video and Q&A: Candidate Marc Jones Interview for ESR Hob Nob | Oviedo Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce (9:27)
- Q&A: One Senior Place