Governor names Harlem state Rep. Barry Fleming next Columbia Judicial Circuit judge

Joe Hotchkiss, Augusta Chronicle
FILE - Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) speaks in the House Chambers at the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Monday, March 1, 2021. Fleming on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 was appointed judge of the Columbia Judicial District Superior Court.
FILE - Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) speaks in the House Chambers at the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Monday, March 1, 2021. Fleming on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 was appointed judge of the Columbia Judicial District Superior Court.

State Rep. Barry Fleming has been named to replace retiring Columbia Judicial District Superior Court Judge James Blanchard Jr. on the bench.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s office issued the announcement late Wednesday afternoon.

Fleming, 58, is a Harlem attorney who represents District 125 in the Georgia House of Representatives. He served from 2003 to 2009 and since 2013. Fleming was chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and the Republican Party’s majority House whip.

'The Lord has blessed me:' Judge James Blanchard reflects on his career as he readies to retire

Fleming also served as chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioner from 1999 to 2003.

He partnered at Augusta law firm Fulcher Hagler for 11 years before founding his own law practice, Fleming Nelson, in 2010.

Blanchard, 81, announced his retirement from the judicial bench earlier this year. He was first appointed to the bench by Gov. Roy Barnes in 2002.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Governor appoints state Rep. Barry Fleming to Columbia County bench

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