Jennifer Fairfax

Age: 52

City/town of residence: Silver Spring

Current/previous employers:

  • Associate judge, Montgomery County Circuit Court (2023-present)
  • Founder and owner, Jennifer Fairfax, LLC (2008-2023)
  • Senior attorney/special counsel, Strickler, Sachitano & Hatfield, P.A. (2002-2007)
  • Associate attorney, Pasternak & Fidis, P.C. (1998-2002)
  • Law clerk, Frederick County Circuit Court (1997-1998)

Political experience: None

Website: www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com

Email: electjudgejsf@gmail.com

Social media links (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.):

facebook.com/electsittingjudgesmontgomerycounty

Why are you running for office?

I left my job first and I pursued this opportunity. I’ve been working towards it for quite some time, and I was appointed by Gov. Wes Moore. And so, I knew going into this, that part of the Constitution, and that I would have to run in the next election, and it happened very quickly for me. I was appointed in September and was running for election by November because I was sworn in on Oct. 26. It was very quick from getting appointed, starting the new job and running for election, but I knew that would be part of the process. And so I’m running to keep my position as a circuit court judge.

What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?

I’ve argued up to the Maryland Court of Appeals, which is now the Supreme Court of Maryland. I’ve litigated cases in D.C. and Virginia. So I certainly know how to read and apply the law, I know the rules of evidence and I know the rules of procedure, which are incredibly important when you’re a judge.

When I did work with legislation, [I gained an] understanding of how something becomes a law and being really clear on the branches of government. Judges don’t make law; that’s not our job. Our job is to interpret and apply the law. The legislature’s job is to write and create the laws.

What’s the most important issue in this election?

The issue is: how does somebody become a judge? What is the process and how is that transparent for voters? The whole process is public information. People can reach out to anybody. So again, I think that’s the issue, is just how does somebody become a judge?

Is there anything else you’d like to comment on about this race?

It’s a different experience to have to go out and meet people and talk to them because I’m not a politician. But I love it. I’ve always been engaged in the community. I’ve always been a volunteer in the community. So, it’s just a little bit of a different angle. You’re explaining that you’re running for office, but I’m embracing it. I’m leaning into it and looking forward to when the elections are over, and we have results.