Candidate Profile: Tracie Cason For Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Two candidates qualified for the Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge (Division 2) in the May 24 General Primary/Special Election.

Incumbent Tracie Cason, of Bethlehem, is running for re-election against Andre Johnson. Cason was first elected to the bench in 2018.

May 24, 2022 General Primary/Special Election sample ballots are available for review at the Georgia My Voter Page. Enter your information in order to access a personalized sample ballot.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Name

Tracie Cason

Campaign website

https://www.TracieCason.com

City or town of residence

Bethlehem

Office sought

Gwinnett Superior Court Division 2

Party affiliation

N/A

Education

University of Georgia, 1993 (Cum laude with honors, BA in Criminal Justice), Baylor University School of Law, 1997 (with a concentration in civil litigation)

Occupation

Superior Court Judge since January 1, 2019; Prosecutor for 21 years before that

Family

Husband, David; and 4 dogs, Munson (18), Dooley (15), Erk (6)(all dachshunds), and Emma Mae (5) (a chocolate lab)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

50

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I currently sit as a Superior Court Judge. I was elected to this seat in 2018.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for re-election because I am committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Gwinnett County, as I have done for the last 21 years. As we are coming out of the restrictions of the pandemic, our Court needs experience, stability, and consistency, above all else. The backlog that has resulted from the pandemic needs experienced judges to navigate the Court through the crises. Experienced judges who are familiar with the current cases and how the system works are in the best position to address that backlog and provide swifter justice to those involved. I am that Judge. Further, I am committed to ensuring that all who come before have the opportunity to be fully heard and to receive fair and impartial justice, as I have done for the last 3 1/2 years.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Trust in the system. I am fully open and transparent in how I address cases in my courtroom. I give individuals the opportunity to be fully heard and to present their position. I explain why I make the rulings I do. It is the only way to ensure that our community will trust and respect the judicial process.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have the judicial experience necessary to ensure that citizens continue to receive fair and efficient resolution of their cases. My opponent does not. I have conducted both criminal and civil jury trials as a judge. My opponent has not. I have been involved with the legal community in Gwinnett for the last 21 years and focused my practice on protecting the citizens of Gwinnett. My opponent has not.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I am committed to the rule of law and to ensuring that all citizens are protected equally.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Within my first year on the bench, I was able to cut my civil and domestic caseload in half, ensuring that those individuals were able to have a resolution in their cases. Additionally, after a custody modification hearing where I did not rule in favor of the party bringing the action, that individual stated (after I explained my ruling and asked if there was anything else anyone wanted to say), "I didn't get what I came here asking for, but you listened to what I had to say and I respect your decision." That is the epitome of what a judge is called to do. Listen to the evidence, give everyone an opportunity to be fully heard, and be transparent about your rulings.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My entire career has been centered on protecting our children and this community. Before being elected to the bench in 2018, I served as a prosecutor for 21 years, mainly focusing on child molestation, child abuse, and sexual assault cases. I am committed to this County and was honored to have been overwhelmingly elected to continue that protection. I look forward to serving this community for many years to come.