Visiting Judge Alphonso Charles ruled against a request from former 402nd District Judge Jeff Fletcher to have current Judge Brad McCampbell recused from district court cases involving Fletcher’s clients. The two were involved in a tense, and at times bitter, campaign for district judge in 2020.

In the filing, Fletcher’s request said Judge McCampbell’s personal opinion and public statements made against him during the campaign rendered him incapable of serving as a trial judge in the cases he was presenting to the court.

Assistant District Attorney’s Brandon Baade and Joey Fenlaw presented the prosecution’s case in support of Judge McCampbell.

“Our judges are elected and they have to run a campaign,” Judge Charles stated. “Judges do not lose their first amendment rights. There are going to be contested judicial elections. Statements previously made don’t necessarily justify a recusal. I can understand Mr. Fletcher’s concerns. Our state has a long judicial history that competition does not necessarily mean bias. With evidence presented I don’t believe it reaches the level to justify recusal.”