Tom Chapman announces filing for circuit judge, 43rd circuit, division I

Filing for this position opened March 1, at the Secretary of State’s office in Jefferson City. Chapman, who was the first to file for the position, had completed his filing as of 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.

This position came open as the result of the retirement of Warren L. McElwain, who has served as Circuit Judge, Division I, since 2001.

Chapman is an attorney with the law firm of Chapman, Cowherd, Turner and Tschannen; and has practiced law in the 43rd Circuit for over 18 years. He is a fourth generation attorney, and has been active in the region and his community, where he currently serves as president of the Board of Education for the Chillicothe R-II School District.

Chapman has been involved in many charitable activities, donating legal work for the Chillicothe Area Habitat for Humanity; serving as a current member of the Boy Scouts Pony Express Council; and having served two terms on the personnel committee of the First Baptist Church, where he is a lifelong member.

"I am looking forward to this next stage of the campaign process," said Chapman. "I want to thank all of those friends and colleges who have encouraged me to seek this position. I have practiced law in this circuit for 18 years, and have come to know many fine judges, attorneys, and officials. I look forward to getting to know more people along the campaign trail."

Chapman and his wife, Lindy, who serves as the executive director of the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce, and their three children, Claire, Wagner and Callaway, reside in Chillicothe.

The 43rd Circuit includes Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, and Livingston Counties. There are two circuit judges in the 43rd Circuit. Brent Elliott is currently Circuit Judge, Division II; and filed for that position last week. Chapman is seeking the Division I position.