Gov. Kemp Appoints Walton County DA Randy McGinley to Superior Court |
McGinley will succeed retiring Judge W. Kendall Wynne Jr. on the Alcovy Judicial Circuit |
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Walton County District Attorney Randal “Randy” M. McGinley to serve as a Superior Court judge for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit.
McGinley will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Superior Court Judge W. Kendall Wynne Jr. The Alcovy Judicial Circuit serves Walton and Newton counties.
McGinley has served as district attorney for the circuit since 2020. He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit in 2011 before being promoted to chief assistant district attorney in 2017.
During his career, McGinley has served as president, vice president and secretary of the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia. His fellow district attorneys named him Georgia’s District Attorney of the Year in 2025.
McGinley was also appointed by Kemp to the State Child Fatality Review Panel. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appointed him to the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission, where he serves as chairman of the Investigative Panel.
McGinley said he is deeply honored by the opportunity to serve the community as a Superior Court judge.
“I greatly appreciate the confidence that Governor Kemp has placed in me,” McGinley said. “It has been the privilege of my lifetime to work alongside an exceptional team of prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, legal assistants, and administrative professionals who dedicate themselves every day to pursuing justice and serving our communities with integrity. Their commitment, professionalism, and compassion have made our office stronger, and I am sincerely grateful for each of them. While I will miss working beside these outstanding public servants every day, I know the office will continue its important mission with excellence.”
McGinley earned his bachelor’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his Juris Doctor from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law.
He and his wife live in Walton County with their two young daughters. |
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Best wishes to his family too! It’s a big job but sounds like they have a great support system.
Teresa LottTotally agree, Teresa. With young kids too, it has to be an adjustment. Hope they get to spend some quality time together even with his new schedule.
We appreciate your thoughtful best wishes. The article notes that Judge McGinley and his family make their home in Walton County and play an active role in the community.
Wish I felt better about these kinds of appointments. But here’s hoping for fair justice.
Tommy J.I get where you’re coming from, Tommy. At least McGinley seems to have built some trust in the community. Guess we’ll see how he handles things from here.
I’ve followed some of his cases, seems like a tough but fair prosecutor. Interested to see his rulings.
Pamela ChoSame here. I always thought he was straightforward in the courtroom. Curious if his approach will be different now that he's on the bench.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Judge McGinley's reputation as a fair and dedicated prosecutor was often mentioned by his peers, and many look forward to seeing how he approaches his new judicial responsibilities.
Man, I remember McGinley from high school! Can’t believe he’s a judge now. Small world.
bobby_g89That’s wild! I went to Newton High and the name sounded familiar. Always neat to see someone local make it big.
Hope he keeps the courtrooms professional and fair for all. Congrats Judge McGinley!
Thank you for your congratulations. Maintaining professionalism and fairness in the courtroom is at the heart of Judge McGinley's approach, as reflected in his statement about integrity and service to the community.
The office will definitely miss his leadership. Curious who’s stepping in as DA now?
Another Kemp appointment, surprise surprise... But I guess McGinley has the credentials.
Congratulations! Always good to see someone with deep ties to the area serving on the bench.
Thank you for your kind words, Judge McGinley's strong local connections were certainly highlighted as part of his commitment to serving Walton and Newton counties.
Looks like McGinley has a strong background, especially as DA of the year. Pretty impressive.
Hope he’s ready for all the tricky cases in Newton and Walton. Good luck to him.
I worked with Judge Wynne years ago, big shoes to fill! I hope McGinley keeps up the tradition.
Glad to see someone local and experienced stepping in. Wishing him the best.
Congrats Judge McGinley! Walton county is lucky to have you.