Jessica Fralich

REGIONAL— Gov. Tim Walz has appointed Jessica Fralich, a former St. Louis County prosecutor and current Duluth city attorney, to fill the Sixth Judicial District judge position being vacated by David M. Johnson’s retirement.
“It is my honor to appoint Jessica Fralich to the St. Louis County bench,” said Walz in a press statement this week.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan also lauded Fralich’s appointment. “Whether it is serving as Duluth’s city attorney or working as a judicial referee, her commitment to service and community is at the heart of what drives her. Her deep familiarity and understanding of the St. Louis County justice system will make her a great asset to this bench.”
In addition to her work as a city attorney, judicial referee, and county prosecutor, Fralich has served as a team member for Domestic Violence Restorative Circles, the Domestic Violence Response Team, and the Range Coordinated Community Response Team. Her community involvement includes working with local agencies to develop and provide training designed to increase awareness regarding the impact of domestic abuse and ensure implementation of best practices by system professionals. Fralich earned her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and J.D. from Hamline University School of Law.
Voters will elect another new member to the Sixth District bench in November for a position that came available when incumbent District Judge Dale Harris decided to retire rather than seek re-election. Former Duluth city attorney Gunnar Johnson and Duluth attorney Shawn Reed emerged from a crowded primary field to compete for the spot.
Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District encompasses Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties.