Hamilton County commissioners voted Wednesday to fill the general sessions judge vacancy left by Alex McVeagh, as he prepares to be sworn in to circuit court.
Victoria “Tori” Smith will assume the judgeship Sept. 4 and serve on the bench until the August 2026 general election. Smith received the vote of six county commissioners.
Following the decision, she said she’s going to work every day to fill McVeagh’s shoes, which she added seems like a monumental task.
“I promise to work every day to make ya’ll proud,” Smith said. “I promise to serve my community to the best of my ability.”
General sessions judges hear both civil and criminal cases. Defendants accused of misdemeanors have their cases settled there, and those accused of felonies make an initial court appearance in general sessions before heading to criminal court.
Smith will receive an annual salary of $212,929, which is the set pay for all general sessions judges, Mary Francis Hoots, director of communications for county Mayor Weston Wamp, said by text.
The runner-up was Magistrate Ron Powers, who received three votes. Attorney Kisha Cheeks received two votes and was third in line for the general sessions seat.
Both McVeagh and Smith received standing ovations from the audience, which was filled with other judges and county officials.
Smith has been licensed to practice law since 2018 in Tennessee, according to the Board of Professional Responsibility. Her practice is based in Chattanooga, and she received her degree from the Duncan School of Law at Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville.
McVeagh is expected to be sworn in at 2 p.m. Thursday at a ceremony held in the Hamilton County Commission room inside the courthouse.
Circuit court judges mainly handle civil cases, including divorces, child custody and business disputes, including real estate and financial investments.
McVeagh was emotional while thanking his fellow judges, colleagues and mentors and passing the torch to Smith.
“I hope whoever is chosen remembers on day one to take some of the advice that was given to me,” he said. “Be fair. Be stern. Be kind. Follow the law no matter if you agree with it or not. And then finally, remember that every single individual in that courthouse … you’re no better than any of them.”
Contact Sofia Saric at ssaric@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.