Wayne Thomas of Prompton, Wayne County, officially announces his candidacy for Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) in Wayne County’s District 22-3-02, a position that serves Honesdale, Prompton and Waymart Boroughs, and Cherry Ridge, Texas, Canaan and South Canaan Townships.

 Thomas retired with an honorable discharge from the PA State Police in 2016, and is currently serving as a Western Wayne School District police officer. He now wants to continue serving the community in another substantial way: as Magisterial District Judge for District 22-3-02, “an honor that I will not take lightly,” he said.

 During Thomas’s 25 years of service as a state trooper in the patrol and criminal investigation units, and as a school police officer since 2016, he developed strong professional working relationships with multiple county offices: the district attorney, the public defenders, magistrates, children and youth agencies, school administrators and teachers, other regional law enforcement agencies and the many attorneys who interact within the court system, as well as multidisciplinary teams. He knows the administration procedures of an MDJ office and courtroom, and has fulfilled the required Minor Judiciary Education certification.

“I made the decision to run for magistrate because I am passionate about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that everyone has access to fair and impartial justice,” Thomas said. “I believe that the most important qualities of a successful magistrate are integrity, ethics, impartiality and a deep commitment to public service.”

As a school police officer, Thomas is involved with daily school functions. He leads by example and demands and gets respect from the students. He collaborates with administration on matters of how to curb truancy, filing criminal charges, and the safety and security of the school community. He works with the school resource officers who work with students to guide them to an appropriate outcome in disciplinary situations. His job gives him the ability to assist students in career paths, while being a role model, and even teaching classes of students about various aspects of his job.

 “When I can be a part of someone making a right decision to fix a wrong one, especially our children, it makes my life, and all that I have done, and do today, worth it. Fairness is an absolute necessity in a courtroom.

I will be fair and impartial, yet firm, as a judge.”

 The position involves overseeing a range of local legal matters including civil disputes up to $12,000, minor criminal cases, traffic violations, tenant disputes, and other judicial functions. The position is currently vacant, with former Judge Kay Bates’ resignation, which went into effect in August 2024. 

In order for Thomas to serve District 22-3-02, ensuring that all voices are represented and heard, he is running on both the Republican and Democratic tickets (cross-filing). Primary Election Day is May 20, and the six-year term begins in 2026. To learn more about Thomas, like and follow him on Facebook at Wayne for Judge. To contact Thomas directly, email wayneforjudge@gmail.com.