Gallegos withdraws from circuit judge race

By Jessica Stith
of The Daily Times Staff

Blount County General Sessions Judge Mike Gallegos announced Sunday that he would not be running for Blount County Circuit Court Judge, Division II.

Gallegos said on Sept. 19 that he had considered joining the race as a candidate for the Republican nomination after Maryville attorney Craig Garrett withdrew as a candidate on Sept. 18. Garrett cited financial matters for his decision to withdraw.

Gallegos told The Daily Times Sunday that he appreciated the support he received from community members, but wanted to concentrate on spending time with his family and on his current position as a general sessions judge.

“Since my interest in running for circuit court judge was announced, I have received encouragement from many good people from different walks of life to seek that office,” Gallegos said.

“However, at this time ­— with four small children — I feel that I need to concentrate my energy on my family and my job.

“I greatly enjoy my job as general sessions judge and am privileged to serve the citizens of Blount County in that capacity.

“I truly appreciate all of the encouragement that I have received.”

Gallegos was elected as General Sessions Judge, Division I, in the 5th Judicial District and began serving in September 2006. Before filling the judge’s seat that was previously occupied by Hugh E. DeLozier, he was an assistant district attorney general in Blount County for almost 10 years.

The Republican candidate will run against Blount County Circuit Court Judge Mike Meares, a Democrat. Meares was appointed as a Blount County Circuit Court judge in August to replace Judge D. Kelly Thomas. Thomas was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division, in Knoxville.