West Palm Beach – Jean Marie Middleton of West Palm Beach has worked for 24 years qualifying to become a judge in Palm Beach County.

Now the assistant general counsel for the county school district, and president elect of the county bar association, is on the Aug. 20 ballot for the open County Court Judge Group 2 seat hoping to seal a victory.

With the endorsements not only of key political figures such as mayors from West Palm Beach to Belle Glade, and key institutions such as the Palm Beach Post and the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, Middleton has been recognized as the superior of the three qualified judicial candidates in the race.

Supporters note that Middleton’s immense community service – from state Supreme Court mediator since 2009, to volunteer youth court/teen court judge – is outweighed only by her immense legal experience in nearly every aspect of law.

Middleton said she initially desired to become a judge after serving as an attorney. County judges handle small claims, traffic and landlord cases and Middleton said she believes she can be of help to the community.

Middleton was hoping to get a governor’s nod in the past when a sitting judge resigned or retired. But that wasn’t in the cards so she is on the ballot vowing to get to the finish line with voters’ support.

"This is a calling for me. It’s going to happen and I believe my time is now," said Middleton days before early voting kicked off Aug. 10. When voters arrived at Wells recreation site in Riviera Beach to cast an early vote, Middleton was there to greet them and answer their questions.

The Navy brat traveled throughout high school and earned undergrad and law degrees at Howard University. The most important factor in her life is her faith. "It means everything to me.”