Blytheville, AR — (Contributed) — Aug. 5, 2025 — Judge Shannon Langston has officially announced her candidacy for Circuit Judge, Division 10, for the 2nd Judicial District of Arkansas.

The position is currently held by Circuit Judge Dan Ritchey of Blytheville, who is retiring at the end of his term. The election will take place on March 3, 2026.

Langston has served on the bench since 2001, building a judicial record defined by fairness, integrity, and a deep commitment to the rule of law. With over 24 years of experience on the bench, Langston brings the knowledge, temperament, and commitment to justice that the citizens of Northeast Arkansas deserve in a Circuit Judge.

“I’ve had the privilege to serve the people of Mississippi County as their District Judge for the past 24 years,” Langston said. “With Judge Ritchey’s upcoming retirement, I feel called to continue that service at the Circuit Court level. I will bring the same experience, impartiality, and respect for all individuals that have guided me throughout my judicial career.”

Langston graduated from Blytheville High School as valedictorian and attended Wellesley College, earning a bachelor of arts degree in political science in 1987. She received her Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 1991 and was licensed to practice law that same year.

Langston is a lifelong resident of Blytheville and has made a steadfast commitment to Northeast Arkansas throughout. Her family dates back generations in Mississippi County, working in farming and the family radio business.

Langston lives with her daughter, Gatsby Sudbury Langston, who will be a sophomore at Wellesley College this fall, and their four dogs. Langston’s mother, Lydia Langston, remains a delight to them both.

Prior to her election to the bench in 2001, Langston served as the elected Blytheville City Attorney from 1995 until she took the bench, as well as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Mississippi County from 1992 until 1995, handling felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile court prosecutions, as well as child support matters.

“There’s nothing like learning in the trenches. It was during that time that I realized how much I enjoyed the courtroom. I would go from a jury trial one day to a traffic case the next,” Langston said.

Almost every day of Langston’s career has been in the courtroom.

“It is not lost upon me how fortunate I am that the voters have continued to elect me as their State District Judge for all of these years,” Langston said. “I am eternally grateful. It would be a great honor to be elected to serve as your Circuit Judge, and I respectfully ask for your vote on March 3rd.”

The 2nd Judicial District makes up Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Greene, Mississippi, and Poinsett counties.