For the first time in decades, a southwest Missouri judge will serve on the state’s high court

For the first time in decades, a southwest Missouri judge will serve on the state’s high court. 

Governor Mike Parson has chosen Ginger Gooch, of Springfield, as the next Missouri Supreme Court judge. 

She’s been a Missouri Court of Appeals judge for the Southern District. 

Gooch told Newstalk KZRG:   “Obviously, it’s a huge commitment and lifestyle change and enormous responsibility. But I think it boils down to wanting somebody to do the job the way that I know it should be done,” she says. “And I hope that doesn’t sound arrogant, because I don’t mean it that way at all. But I just, you know, it’s very important to me that the Supreme Court continues to be an amazing institution like I experienced when I clerked there.”

Gooch served as a law clerk for the Honorable Ann Covington, the first female judge to serve on the state Supreme Court. 

State law requires Gooch’s swearing-in to be within the next 30 days.