Gov. Kelly taps Wyandotte prosecutor to replace longtime district court judge
A local prosecutor will join the select pool of people who help determine the fates of criminal and civil cases in Wyandotte County.
And he will replace the position of a judge who held those same duties for nearly 20 years.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly appointed Damon Mitchell of the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office to temporarily fill the seat of outgoing District Court Judge Constance Alvey.
Alvey, who has held roles in the Wyandotte County District Court for years, served as a district court judge for 17 years. She formally retired last month, although she gave the governor’s office official notice of her exit in Nov. 2025.
The office requested applications for a replacement late last year, and those were due by Dec. 31, 2025.
“As a former defense attorney and current prosecutor, Damon Mitchell brings a unique and robust perspective to the bench,” Kelly said in a news release announcing the decision. “His empathy, commitment to justice, and deep roots in the community will benefit Wyandotte County.”
Mitchell, who is District Attorney Mark Dupree’s chief deputy, will serve in Alvey’s place throughout this year. County voters will have an opportunity to elect a judge to a four-year term during a 2026 election for the seat, according to the district attorney’s office.
Mitchell, who brings more than 20 years of experience as an attorney to the role, joined the district attorney’s office when Dupree won his 2016 election. In that position, he advises Dupree on legal matters, assigns cases and trains attorneys, according to the release.
He has lived in Wyandotte County throughout his life.
“I am humbled and honored to serve as the next District Court Judge of Wyandotte County,” Mitchell said in the release. “I thank Governor Kelly for giving me the opportunity to serve as Judge in my hometown. I look forward to helping Wyandotte County move forward, together, with justice for all.”
Similarly to Mitchell, Alvey held a role in the district attorney’s office prior to becoming a judge. For a stint, she served Wyandotte County as an assistant district attorney.
