In a Facebook post, Lafayette County Prosecutor Kristen Ellis Hilbrenner announced her candidacy for Lafayette County Associate Circuit Judge, following the announcement by Judge Kelly Rose that she will be retiring.

Hilbrenner said she is committed to bringing fairness, professionalism and justice for all to the bench.

“I am running for Judge to ensure our court is a place where everyone is treated with respect and the law is applied fairly to all,” stated Hilbrenner. “Throughout my legal career, I have dedicated myself to upholding the laws and the Constitution of the State of Missouri and the United States of America. As Judge, my commitment to that principle will not waver.”

Hilbrenner has served as Lafayette County Prosecuting Attorney since being appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy in 2013 and subsequently being elected to serve three terms since 2014.

Prior to that, she served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in both Lafayette County and Clay County.

Hilbrenner is known for her advocacy for victims and her desire to hold offenders accountable.

In addition to her work as Prosecutor, Hilbrenner spends her time serving her community as a member of the Higginsville Rotary Club and as Children’s Choir Director with her church. She and

her husband, Jason, enjoy attending their children’s activities and cheering them on from the bleachers or the sidelines.