Governor Appoints Judge Ransom to Missouri Supreme Court
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Republican Gov. Mike Parson appointed Missouri Eastern District Appeals Court Judge Robin Ransom to be the first Black woman to serve on the state Supreme Court. Ransom replaced retiring Judge Laura Denvir Stith.
“I am proud and honored to name Judge Robin Ransom as the newest member of the state’s highest court,” Parson said in a statement. “Judge Ransom will add valuable experience, perspective, and balance to the court. I have high confidence that she will continue to be a fair enforcer of the law.”
In addition to her new role, Ransom was set to continue serving as an appeals court judge until she transitioned fully to the Supreme Court.
Historic Appointment Celebrated
Ransom’s appointment as the first Black female Supreme Court judge in Missouri is especially noteworthy. Ransom told reporters gathered at the Capitol that she grew up in North St. Louis near Ferguson, where violent protests erupted in 2014 after a white police officer fatally shot unarmed Black teenager Michael Brown.
“I can’t cure all of the social ills and injustices that are out there, and this appointment won’t do that,” Ransom said. “What this appointment does show is that this governor has the courage to make such an appointment.”
Ransom is only the third Black judge to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court. Aside from Chief Justice George Draper, she will be the only current Black judge on the high court.
Judge Brings Wealth of Experience
Ransom emphasized that she is defined by more than her race. “I have never lived by a label or by any identity that anyone’s tried to put upon me,” she said. “When I look in the mirror, I’ve always been Robin.”
Parson noted Ransom was chosen because she was the most qualified candidate. Her past judicial experience includes serving as a St. Louis County circuit judge and a family court commissioner. She also worked previously in the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney’s office and public defender’s office.
What This Means for Key Rulings
Ransom’s appointment could shape how the Missouri Supreme Court rules on major cases. One issue likely to soon come before the court is whether the state must expand Medicaid coverage as called for under a 2022 ballot measure approved by voters.
Ransom said she sees limitations in her new role. “I was raised that I can’t cure all of the social ills and injustices that are out there, and this appointment won’t do that,” she stated. However, Ransom said the appointment shows Parson’s “vision for this state and he knows how great this state is and what this state can be.”
The judge will be the keynote speaker at a January 2024 event in Kirkwood commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Her talk will focus on carrying forward King’s legacy.
