Former Campbell County Republican Party Chair Zack Walden announces his candidacy for criminal court judge

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The following release was submitted to WLAF by the candidate. It has not been edited for brevity or format.

JACKSBORO, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Former Campbell County Republican Party Chair Zack Walden has announced his intention to seek the 8^th Judicial District Criminal Court Judgeship currently held by Judge E. Shayne Sexton, who is retiring this summer. The 8^th District encompasses Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union Counties.

“I’m running because I care about our communities,” Walden said when asked about his top priority. “We face one of the most challenging environments in the country due to the opioid crisis that has affected nearly every family here. I’m looking forward to the challenge. Judge Sexton has one of the most active criminal trial dockets in the state, and I am ready to get to work to ensure justice is carried out efficiently and fairly.”

Walden, being an active member of the community, volunteers as a TNAchieves mentor to students at Campbell County High School and serves in the music ministry at Covenant Life Church. In 2010, Walden was appointed by the Governor to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

During his time in law school, Walden served on the managing board of the Law Review, served as president of the Christian Legal Society, and advocated for victims of domestic violence.

As an attorney, Walden has developed significant trial experience in both state and federal court throughout the Southeast, primarily in complex criminal litigation. Walden is the only candidate that has served in all aspects of the justice system, seeking justice for victims of crime, representing defendants, and even serving as an acting ADA in the 8^th Judicial District while in law school.

As a recipient of the KBA Barristers President’s Award, Walden has been recognized for his outstanding commitment to civics education in our schools. He developed the Constitution Day program, which teaches elementary school students about the importance of our American system of government.

While on the bench Judge Sexton founded one of the first Recovery Courts in Tennessee. Walden plans on continuing the Recovery Court while expanding the program to include a felony-level Veterans Treatment Court that ensures offenders who served our country receive a special focus on rehabilitation and fighting addiction.

“This August, we will be electing our third Criminal Court Judge in the last 48 years,” stated Walden. “We are fortunate that our previous judges have presided with integrity while innovating the court to address the everchanging nature of crime and the communities’ needs. I look forward to continuing and building on that strong legacy.”

Walden’s Campaign Kickoff will be held on Friday, March 4, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Cove Lake State Park Recreation Building (by Rickard Ridge), featuring entertainment from Sweetsong Nashville Recording Artist The Roberts Sisters and a chili supper. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 02/22/2022-6AM)