Wed November 22, 2023

By Press Release

Angi Taylor Announces Candidacy for District Court Judge
Angilynn "Angi" Taylor has officially announced her candidacy in a bid to fill the open seat left by the retirement of Judge Tony Yocum in the 38th District, encompassing Hempstead and Nevada Counties. The current vacancy, temporarily filled by Judge Kolby Harper until December 31, 2024, presents a unique opportunity for a new judge in the district.



“My decision to seek the position of district judge is rooted in my belief in an accessible, fair, and equitable justice system,” Taylor explained. “I have a proven track record committed to justice, transparency, and maintaining public order.  It would be my honor, duty, and privilege to serve the community I proudly call home as district judge,” she added. 



Over 18 years ago, Taylor began her legal career in public service presiding over cases on appeal from all 75 counties in the state as a hearing officer for the Arkansas Appeals Tribunal.  Later, she served as a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Eighth North Judicial District, exclusively in District Court, Juvenile Court, and handling involuntary commitments in Hempstead County.  Currently, she is serving her second term, appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Model Jury Instructions and as a contracted attorney for the City of Tollette.  



In her private practice, Ms. Taylor handles a range of civil litigation at the municipal, state, and federal levels including civil rights, family law, probate, and contract cases. Her portfolio also includes successfully defending cases ranging from traffic violations to class y felonies and post conviction relief.  


“The chance to once again preside over a spectrum of cases that impact lives marks a full circle moment for me. To have never had my decisions overturned by the Review Board or Court of Appeals speaks volumes about my qualifications and the integrity of my work product,” said Taylor.  “Many times, the first and only contact most people have with the legal system is in District Court. My overarching goal, when I am elected judge, is to guarantee access, the opportunity to be heard, and fair and just outcomes,” she elaborated.  “In doing so, I aim to strengthen the public’s trust in the justice system,” Taylor added. 



Beyond her legal career, Ms. Taylor has made significant contributions to the residents and businesses throughout her community over the years. “In giving back to the community that supports and sustains me, I established an outreach program dedicated to at-risk youth and served as a board member governing businesses for individuals with disabilities, parks and recreations, and professional women,” Taylor said.  Her affiliations also extend to the Lions Club, Yerger Museum, and Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corporation.



Summing up her ambitions for running, Taylor affirmed, “my strong faith, legal career, and life experiences as a parent, employer, and community servant, are all value-added qualities that will enable me to bring a combination of expertise, wisdom, and a fresh perspective to the bench.  I am up for the challenge and ready to serve.”



Taylor earned her law degree from UALR-Bowen School of Law, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mississippi Valley State University.  She completed Air Force Reserve Officer’s Training at McConnell Air Force Base and coursework in leadership.  Before entering the legal field, Taylor accumulated a decade of experience in quality and laboratory management, continuous process improvement, database applications, and statistics.



Ms. Taylor is the proud mother of one son, Criminal Defense Attorney, W. Vadol Miller Jr., and the guardian of her sister, Vickie Taylor.  She invites the community to learn more about her vision for the district beyond the bench and qualifications at www.angitaylorforjudge.com.  The nonpartisan election is March 5, 2024, with early voting beginning February 19, 2024. 

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