WC Chief Deputy Joins Probate Court Judge Race

Bruce Wright is the third person to announce their candidacy for the Walton County Probate Court Judge in the Republican Primary on July 31. The other two candidates are attorneys Lori Duff and Sheri Fambrough. Duff was also recently appointed as the associate judge for Loganville. The successful candidate will replace Judge H. Greg Adams who has announced his intention to retire from the position at the end of his current term.

The Probate Court judge handles wills, estates, appointment of guardians, involuntary hospitalization, marriage and firearms licenses and may also hear misdemeanors and violations of traffic and state game and fish laws.

“I am excited to announce my campaign and look forward to working hard to earn the support of the people,” Wright said in a press release. “I’m running because we need someone as Probate Judge who is qualified and has experience in enforcing the laws of Georgia. Most importantly, we need a judge who will listen to the concerns of the people.”

Rather than campaign while on the taxpayers' dime, Wright has taken time off from his current duties with the WCSO until after the Primary. He said he feels that at age 44 now is the right time to consider this direction in his career. Wright has served under Sheriff Joe Chapman as chief deputy since 2005. He said he believes he would be able to preserve the respect that Adams has attained on the Probate Court bench and continue that legacy.

"I deal with people from the public every day, often at their worst moments and most trying times," Wright said. "They need someone who will help them. I know I can help expedite the will of justice."

He began his career in law enforcement in 1989 with the City of Monroe Police Department. Wright is a graduate of Columbus State University, a 2007 graduate of the Walton County Leadership Class and serves on the Walton County Department of Family and Children Services Board of Directors. His community awards include 1991 Monroe Police Officer of the Year and 2007 Walton County Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year.

A Walton County native, Wright is a life-long member of the Union Chapel United Methodist Church, a Master Mason with Lodge 566 and a member of the Loganville American Legion Post 233. He and his family live in Monroe.