Clay County State’s Attorney Phillip Givens is formally announcing his Republican candidacy for at large judge in the 4th Judicial Circuit in the 2026 election. The seat is open as a result of the retirement of Judge Douglas Jarman retired from the position in January.
Givens notes as the current Clay County State’s Attorney, he has dedicated his career to upholding justice, protecting our communities, and ensuring the law is applied fairly and consistently. He says he is a proud Southern Illinois native who graduated from Gallatin County High School in 2004 before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and his law degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Law in 2016. He became a licensed attorney that same year. Givens says he was raised with the values of hard work, perseverance, and service.
Since 2022, he and his family have called the 4th Judicial Circuit their home. He married in 2018 and he and his wife have been blessed with three wonderful children.
Givens is running for judge because he believes in fairness, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law.
