Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert just dropped a bombshell by announcing her resignation and impending retirement amid serious health concerns.
In a nutshell, Luckert, who suffered a stroke in October 2024, will step down as chief justice on January 2, 2025, and fully retire by late January or early February 2025, opening the door for Governor Laura Kelly to appoint another justice before her term ends in 2026, as Fox News reports.
For Kansas taxpayers, this transition isn’t just courtroom drama—it’s a potential financial burden as the state foots the bill for a new judicial appointment process and possible shifts in court priorities under new leadership. From a conservative lens, every gubernatorial pick by a Democrat like Kelly raises eyebrows about whether the court will tilt further toward progressive policies, potentially increasing legal exposure for businesses and property owners. We need to keep a sharp eye on who fills this seat—no rubber stamps allowed.
Luckert’s journey took a rough turn in October 2024 when she suffered a stroke, forcing her to step back from public duties temporarily. Her condition has made it clear she can’t keep up with the demanding role of chief justice, a position she’s held since 2019.
She admitted the harsh reality herself, saying, “I am on a path to recovery, but I have had to face a difficult truth,” as reported in her official statement. That’s a gut punch for anyone, but let’s be real—acknowledging limits isn’t weakness; it’s pragmatism. Still, her exit leaves a void at a time when Kansas needs steady, no-nonsense leadership, not more uncertainty.
On January 2, 2025, Luckert will officially resign as chief justice, with Justice Eric Rosen, the court’s most senior member, stepping into the role after serving as interim chief during her medical leave. Her full retirement a month or so later will wrap up a 22-year tenure on the Supreme Court, a career that began with her appointment by Governor Bill Graves in 2003.
Born in Goodland, Kansas, Luckert broke barriers as the first woman to serve as chief district judge in Shawnee County before ascending to the Supreme Court. She earned her undergraduate and law degrees from Washburn University in Topeka and cut her teeth in private practice before her judicial appointments.
Her rise from small-town roots to the state’s highest court is the kind of story that should inspire Kansas kids, especially girls, to aim high without bowing to trendy social narratives. As she put it, “I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter.” Admirable, sure, but let’s hope her successor prioritizes judicial restraint over activist agendas.
Luckert also stepped down from three national committees alongside her court resignation, signaling a full withdrawal from public roles. That’s a stark reminder of how health can upend even the most dedicated careers, no matter the prestige.
Justice Eric Rosen, set to take over as chief justice, described Luckert’s tenure as “fraught with challenge” but praised the court system as “stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future” under her watch. Fine words, but conservatives in Kansas are right to wonder if “resilient” means sticking to constitutional principles or bending to political winds. We’ll be watching Rosen’s first moves like hawks.
The timing of Luckert’s retirement means Governor Kelly gets to name a fifth justice to the court before her term wraps up at the end of 2026. With other retirements, like Justice Evelyn Wilson’s in July 2024 due to a serious illness and the mandatory retirements looming for Justices Dan Biles and Eric Rosen when they hit 75, the court’s makeup could shift dramatically.
Wilson’s replacement, Justice Larkin Walsh, already joined the bench in November 2024, marking another recent change in the court’s roster. Add to that the upcoming vote in August 2026 on whether Kansas should switch to a popular vote system for selecting justices or keep the current nomination and appointment process, and you’ve got a judicial crossroads.
Luckert’s 22 years on the bench, including her time as chief justice since 2019 after Lawton Nuss retired, leave a long shadow. But for those of us skeptical of unchecked government overreach, her departure is a chance to ask: Will the next appointee uphold the rule of law or push divisive social policies?
Governor Kelly’s pick will be under the microscope, especially since many Kansas conservatives feel the court has too often leaned into progressive interpretations over the years. We’re not looking for culture war battles in robes—just justices who respect the Constitution over fleeting ideological fads.
As Kansas braces for this transition, Luckert’s story is a reminder of both human fragility and the weight of public service. Her legacy as a trailblazer is undeniable, but the fight for a judiciary that reflects the values of everyday Kansans—hard work, fairness, and limited government—remains front and center. Let’s hope the next chapter of this court isn’t a sequel to judicial overreach.
