Jason B. Thompson | Griffin Circuit, Post 1

Candidate Statement

I am honored to offer my candidacy to represent the Griffin Judicial Circuit on the Board of Governors. Throughout my career—whether in private practice or on the bench—I have worked to build bridges that strengthen our legal community and ensure that our circuit remains one of the very best in Georgia.

Serving the people of Spalding and Fayette counties has been a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously. I have sought to approach that responsibility with collaboration, professionalism and respect for the important role each of us plays in the justice system. Through active involvement in our local bar association and strong working relationships among judges, lawyers and court staff, I have consistently worked to promote unity and shared purpose within our circuit.

I also believe our profession is strongest when we engage with the communities we serve. Visiting local schools, hosting free sessions of The People’s Law School and expanding First Friday Coffee gatherings have created meaningful opportunities to connect with citizens and strengthen trust in our courts. These efforts reflect the dedication of the lawyers and judges who serve this circuit and demonstrate the positive impact of our work beyond the courtroom.

If elected, I will bring that same spirit of collaboration and service to the Board of Governors. I will listen carefully, advocate thoughtfully and work diligently to ensure the Griffin Judicial Circuit has a strong and respected voice. Together, we can continue building a legal community that reflects the highest standards of professionalism and service.

Education

• Maryville College, B.A. (1997)
• Samford University Cumberland School of Law, J.D. (2001)

Personal/Family

• My wife, Alisha, and I reside in Fayetteville, Georgia. We have been married for 22 years and have three children: Baine, Aida Lynn and Alexander. We also have a foreign exchange student living with us during this school year.
• Member of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church; My hobbies include watching my kids playing sports, traveling as a family, watching movies and training our new puppy, Snoopy.
• Georgia Soccer Officials Association (high school soccer referee since 2009); United States Soccer Federation (referee since 1987). My wife and I both coached the Mock Trials teams at Fayette County High School and McIntosh High School. Additionally, I served as statewide chairman of the High School Mock Trial Program in 2006.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• I have served as Fayette County State Court judge since May 2013. As State Court judge, I preside over the DUI/Drug Court and the Veterans Treatment Court. Previously, I was elected as Fayette County Magistrate Court and also served as Municipal Court judge pro hac for the City of Peachtree City.
• Before taking the bench, I was in private practice focusing on representing clients in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. I also served as the first assistant solicitor-general in Spalding County State Court.
• I am a current member, and former president, of the Fayette County Bar Association. I am a member of the State Bar of Georgia and formerly a member of the Atlanta Bar Association.
• I served for four years on the Executive Committee for the Council of Accountability Court Judges, as the DUI Court representative. I currently serve on the Executive Committee for the Council of State Court Judges, having previously served as the District Four representative on the Executive Committee. I am the State Court representative on both the Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission as well as the Non-Superior Court representative on the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution. On the Council of Accountability Court Judges, I serve on both the Training Committee and Funding Committee. On the Council of State Court Judges, I co-chair the DUI Court Committee and am vice-chair of the New Judges Orientation as well as a member of the Legislative Committee.
• Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Dreambuilder Award (2022); Boys Scouts of America Golden Eagle Award (2022); Fayette County Bar Association Award of Excellence (2025); Council of State Court Judges Faithful Service Award (2025)
• Member of Rotary Club of Peachtree City since 2013. Board member (or former board member) of Fayette County Youth Soccer League; AFC Lightning Soccer Club; Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City; Fayette County Development Authority; Fayette County Chamber of Commerce; AV Pride; Joseph Sams School; and Southern Crescent Chorale.

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

My goal is to bring our voice from the Griffin Judicial Circuit to the Board of Governors. As someone that has worked in many offices across our circuit, I would like us to have one voice on concerns and find a platform where we can share ideas collectively. It has been a pleasure serving this circuit for the last 25 years, and I look forward with collaborating with attorneys in Pike, Spalding, Upson and Fayette.