The Ontario County Republican Committee has officially endorsed two local legal professionals for upcoming judicial races in the November 4 election.
Judge Kristina “Kitty” Karle received the committee’s backing for New York State Supreme Court Justice, while Stefanie Barnes was endorsed for Ontario County Judge.
Karle, currently serving her seventh year on the Ontario County Court Bench, is seeking election to the Supreme Court in the state’s 7th Judicial District, which includes eight counties. She presides over family, criminal, and Supreme Court cases, including Youth Part for youthful offender matters. Since taking the bench, she has overseen nearly 7,000 cases.
“I have the experience we need and no one will work harder than me,” Karle said, noting her active campaign efforts throughout the district. Before becoming a judge, Karle built her career as a special victims prosecutor, focusing on cases involving child abuse and domestic violence. She was the first woman to serve as an Ontario County Court judge, and if elected, would become the first female Supreme Court Justice from the district’s outlying counties.
Barnes, a solo practitioner and part-time assistant district attorney in Wayne County, brings 25 years of legal experience to her candidacy. She has spent seven years as a prosecutor, including the last five in the Major Felonies Bureau. In addition to her prosecutorial work, Barnes has served as a defense attorney and holds certifications as a Court Evaluator, Guardian Ad Litem, and Attorney for the Child.
Her extensive work in Family Court includes representing parents, grandparents, children, and other family members in complex cases. This experience aligns closely with the responsibilities of an Ontario County Judge, who handles a substantial family court caseload.
“It’s an honor to earn endorsements from the dedicated men and women of our local Republican committee,” Barnes said. “I’m committed to bringing the highest level of integrity, impartiality and compassion to the role of County Court Judge to ensure that justice is served firmly, fairly and efficiently in Ontario County.”
Committee Chairwoman Trisha Turner praised both candidates for their dedication and qualifications, noting that each has “distinguished themselves by their work.”
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