Judges in Indiana are elected to a 6-year term to preside over a trial court, and are responsible for criminal and civil cases. Their duties are to oversee the legal proceedings of each case (including hearings, motions and trials) by applying state statutes to reach impartial decisions. Their responsibilities are to rule on legal challenges and disputes, ensure fair trials, accept pleas, sentence convicted offenders, and manage caseloads.
First and Last Name
Christopher Buckley
Campaign Email
buckley4judge@gmail.com
Campaign Phone
2195104613
Social Media and Website Links
https://www.facebook.com/share/18Mt3B4uch/
Candidate Bio Information
Judge Buckley is your Porter County Judge. He was born and raised right here in Porter County, Indiana, is a decorated Marine Corps Veteran, is a well-seasoned, careful, patient, kind and diligent judge, and has nearly a decade of experience as a judicial officer.
From my extremely humble beginning right here in Porter County, to my love and dedication to this community, to my honorable military service as a veteran in the United States Marine Corps, to the commitment to my academic career as a legal scholar and law school professor, to my lifetime of learning in continuing education and mental health, to my statewide leadership among the other Indiana judges, to my firm and fair approach on the bench with respect to all litigants, I have proven to have the combination of skills and attributes to excel as your Porter Superior Court Judge. With over ten (10) years experience on the bench, and a humble yet confident attitude, Porter County is well-served by keeping me on the bench.
I am a lifelong Porter County resident. I was born in Valparaiso and raised in Portage, graduated from Chesterton High School and I currently reside in Valparaiso. Starting from very humble beginnings in a blue-collar steelworker family in a mobile home park in Liberty Township, I developed grit by climbing the social ladder, one rung at a time. I live in the very community I have known my whole life while raising my young family. I love few things in life as much as being a dad. Being the best judge I can be is my second love.
First and Last Name
Heather McCarthy
Campaign Email
hmccarthy2026@gmail.com
Campaign Phone
Social Media and Website Links
https://www.electmccarthy2026.com/, https://www.facebook.com/CommitteetoElectHeatherAMcCarthy
Candidate Bio Information
Heather A. McCarthy has spent more than 25 years living and serving Northwest Indiana, building a career grounded in respect for the law and commitment to community. She has advocated for community members and partnered with local leaders and law enforcement on complex matters impacting everyday life. Heather brings extensive courtroom experience and has served as judge pro tempore. Recognized as the 2022 Northwest Indiana Influential Woman in the Law, she is running for Porter County Superior Court Judge 4 to serve with fairness and consistency. She holds a B.A. from Purdue University, West Lafayette, an M.A. (Purdue), an M.P.A. from Indiana University, and a J.D. (Honors, Business Associations) from Valparaiso University School of Law.
For more than 25 years, I have lived and worked in Northwest Indiana, building a career defined by steady application of the law and a deep understanding of our region. With nearly two decades of legal experience, I have advised local leaders,
worked alongside law enforcement, and navigated complex legal issues impacting public safety and community growth. Early in my career, I spent a decade leading behavioral health programs — experience that continues to shape how I approach
cases involving vulnerable individuals. I have advocated for victims and families at both the state and federal levels. Throughout my career, I have focused on doing the work the right way by applying the law carefully and treating every person fairly.
With deep roots in Northwest Indiana, I have served as trusted legal counsel to cities and towns across the region — often stepping in during moments of crisis to help communities navigate complex challenges within the bounds of the law. I have spent my career investing in the people of Northwest Indiana. From serving on state and local boards to promote mental health, to shaping the future of higher education as a trustee at Ivy Tech Community College and Calumet College of St. Joseph, to currently leading the Methodist Hospital Foundation as its Chairwoman. Through decades of service I have built the relationships, knowledge, and judgment needed to serve as a Superior Court Judge.
