The McLennan County Commissioners Court accepted a letter of retirement from Justice of the Peace Peterson, effective Dec. 31, 2025, creating a vacancy in JP Precinct 1 Place 2. The court discussed options including letting the election process play out or creating an applicant pool during the current filing period and appointing an interim justice to serve the unexpired term.

County staff explained filing deadlines and the trade-offs of appointing an incumbent who has filed for the March primary versus appointing an experienced temporary replacement who does not intend to run. The court approved a motion to accept applications for JP Precinct 1 Place 2 through noon on Friday, Dec. 12, with the intent to interview applicants during court on Tuesday, Dec. 16; applicants who have filed for the seat will be eligible to be considered for appointment and could still run in the March primary if appointed early enough to file.

The court emphasized the need to minimize workload stress on existing JP offices and sought candidates with relevant experience to reduce on-the-job training time. The motion passed with no recorded opposition.