Duluth Judge to Retire, Leaving Open Seat on Ballot

DULUTH, Minn. — A local Duluth Judge will be retiring at the end of his term, leaving an open seat on the ballot.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Dale Harris plans to enter retirement, creating a unique election.

Harris is one of Northeastern Minnesota’s longest-tenured judges. With background as a judge advocate in the U.S. Navy. Harris was appointed to the seat in 2010.

The Duluth Native created and presided over the South St. Louis County Veterans Treatment Court.

“I’ve been a lawyer for over thirty years, I’ve been a judge for almost fifteen and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter, but it’s really been meaningful work, and I’ve been very-very fortunate to have had the opportunity to do it,” said Harris.

Judges typically retire mid-term, with vacancies being filled by the governor.

Another Judge will be retiring before Harris and that seat will appointed by the governor while Harris’s seat will go to the ballot.