2026 Georgia General Election

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North Carolina

Family values and Georgia roots have shaped who I am as a judge and as a person.

Wade  received his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Georgia and his J.D. from the Georgia State University College of Law.

Judge Wade Padgett has served on the Georgia Court of Appeals since 2020. Before taking the bench, he practiced law for over 25 years. He has also taught law courses at the University of Georgia and Georgia State University.

Wade has practiced law for over 25 years. He has also taught law courses at the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. He also served as the Chief and Associate magistrate, Columbia County

Wade Padgett has served on the Georgia Court of Appeals since 2020.

As an attorney, began his career as an Assistant District Attorney, later moved into private practice handling various cases, and served as Chief Magistrate and Superior Court judge.

As a state court of appeals judge, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

- As an attorney, began his career as an Assistant District Attorney, later moved into private practice handling various cases, and served as Chief Magistrate and Superior Court judge.
- As a state court of appeals judge, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

Legal Experience

As of March 11, 2026, J. Wade Padgett’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, leading stewardship campaigns and youth outreach efforts.

Created 'Teenage Years 101,' an award-winning educational program for teens and parents focused on the dangers of crime and drug use.

- Active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, leading stewardship campaigns and youth outreach efforts.
- Created 'Teenage Years 101,' an award-winning educational program for teens and parents focused on the dangers of crime and drug use.

Community Involvement

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J. Wade Padgett

- The Court of Appeals hears nearly all types of cases appealed from a lower-level trial-level court, such as Superior Court, Magistrate Court, and State Court. The Court of Appeals does not hear appeals on murder, constitutional questions, and criminal cases where the Georgia Supreme Court has jurisdiction.
- Cases before the Court of Appeals are decided by a three-judge panel. 
- Judges on the Georgia Court of Appeals are elected to six-year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide. The Governor can appoint Court of Appeals Judges when vacancies arise.

Hears appeals on orders and decisions made by lower trial courts

Georgia Court of Appeals Judge (Padgett)

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