What is your name?

Kimberly Gallant

Tell us more about yourself.

Born and raised in metro Atlanta, Kimberly Gallant has dedicated her life to service. She has worked as a prosecutor and as a staff attorney for a Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge, gaining valuable knowledge and insight into the judicial process. In 2015, she was appointed to the bench. She has presided over cases in municipal, juvenile, magistrate, state and superior courts. She currently presides over Superior Court cases by designation. She is married to Eric, a veteran of the United States Navy. She is a proud mother of two children who attend Gwinnett County Public Schools and a leader in various civic and educational organizations.

What office are you running for?

Superior Court Judge of Gwinnett County - Batchelor

What is your party affiliation?

Non-Partisan

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- Osborne High School, 1993 - B.A., Criminal Justice, University of Georgia, 1997 - J.D., Georgia State University College of Law, 2000

Provide the link to your campaign website.

https://www.gallant4gwinnett.com/

What is your job/occupation?

Judge

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Sugar Hill

Is this your first time running for office?

Yes

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

I have been a Girl Scout Troop Leader since 2013, teaching the values of courage, confidence, and character. I serve as president of the North Gwinnett Schools Foundation, supporting the excellence and innovation in the schools in her district. I lead the SMILE Program for Gwinnett Courts, inspiring the next generation of lawyers and judges. I participate as a Principal for a Day, with GCPS, learning about the challenges and opportunities of the education system. I was a finalist for the MOXIE award in 2019, recognizing me as a woman who leads fearlessly and boldly. I am a member of Leadership Gwinnett and the Junior League.

What actions would you take to enhance government transparency and trust in government?

It is critical that Gwinnett courtrooms are run with fairness and respect to build trust in the institution. I believe that our Gwinnett courtrooms only work well when run with fairness and respect to all parties involved. Whether it be a community member facing a felony indictment or a family in the middle of a tense divorce, I am committed to approaching each case with the fair treatment it deserves. My goal is to always give resolution to litigants in a timely manner.

The court system is increasingly seen as overtly political. What more can be done to assure the public that the courts are neutral arbitrators of the law?

Gwinnett County holds nonpartisan elections for all of our elected judges, which means that on Election Day, Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike all get to participate in the selection of their next Superior Court judge. I have already shown in my campaign my commitment to be present at events and meetings across the political spectrum, and to emphasize accessibility as your next Gwinnett Superior Court Judge. It is incumbent upon members of the judiciary to continue assuring the public of that neutrality.

What are your personal security concerns, given the increasing attacks on judges and court officials nationwide and the rise in hostility toward judicial officials generally?

I am concerned about the safety of all citizens in Gwinnett County. Judges and court officials, especially those working in family law, have been increasingly targeted. I am confident in the public servants who keep our justice system running and safe.

How will you manage large caseloads exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic?

Due to the dutiful work of the judges, staff and clerks of Gwinnett County courts, there is minimal backlog from the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless, I am committed to running an efficient courtroom and avoiding delays in justice.

A number of judges are now streaming their court hearings and trials so they are completely open to the public. Will you commit to streaming your courtroom proceedings so anyone will be able to view them? If not, why not?

The decision to stream court hearings would likely be made as a joint decision of all our Gwinnett Superior Court judges. I am committed to work with the entire bench for increased transparency.

Do you believe public access to public records is sufficient in your jurisdiction and, if not, what steps do you support to remedy that?

Gwinnett remains an open and publicly accessible jurisdiction that I believe does a great job at supporting journalistic work on our court proceedings.