Abbey King Mueller won the Republican Primary race for Geauga County Juvenile/Probate Court judge May 5, defeating Kate Jacob and Stephanie Heibertshausen Anderson by more than 1,500 votes.
Abbey King Mueller won the Republican Primary race for Geauga County Juvenile/Probate Court judge May 5, defeating Kate Jacob and Stephanie Heibertshausen Anderson by more than 1,500 votes.
King Mueller received 5,687 votes, followed by Jacob with 4,141 and Heibertshausen Anderson with 2,395, according to final, unofficial results of the Geauga County Board of Elections.
King Mueller, 43, serves as a magistrate for the juvenile/probate court. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from the University of Montana and a juris doctor from the University of Akron School of Law.
When contacted at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday at a friend’s home, King Mueller said she was excited about the outcome and offered a heartfelt statement.
“I’m a little overwhelmed. I am humbled and grateful to the voters of Geauga County for placing their confidence in me,” she said. “Serving the families of this county is not just my duty, it is my privilege.”
During her campaign, King Mueller emphasized her commitment to public service and helping families.
“I have devoted my entire career to public service and, specifically, helping children and families involved in the court system,” she said in response to a Geauga County Maple Leaf election questionnaire, adding she has served as the court’s magistrate for eight years.
“The children and families of Geauga County deserve a judge who is prepared and equipped to lead the court,” she said.
King Mueller identified mental health as a key issue facing the court.
“Mental health issues are prevalent across the probate and juvenile divisions. There is a lack of available and accessible mental health services and psychiatric care,” she wrote, noting waitlists for assessments and services are long and that there are not enough counselors in Geauga County to meet demand.
“People often present to the court with acute psychiatric issues that must be addressed immediately,” King Mueller said. “Receiving the necessary mental health care is something that undoubtedly helps maintain stability in a family, and maintain a juvenile in his/her home, thereby avoiding placement in residential treatment.”
She said the role of a probate/juvenile judge is to resolve cases, not create social policy.
“The law should be applied in a neutral, fair and consistent manner with due regard to protecting the rights of all parties while prioritizing the best interest of children and vulnerable adults,” King Mueller wrote.
The judge must understand the widespread impact of trauma, collaborate with families and remain sensitive to family structures while maintaining a stable and firm courtroom environment, she said.
King Mueller will run on the Republican ticket in November for the seat being vacated by Judge Tim Grendell, who was suspended earlier this year from the practice of law for six months due to misconduct in a juvenile case.
