William Whitesell announces campaign for Superior Court

Feb. 2—THOMASVILLE — William Whitesell, attorney and owner of William Long Whitesell, LLC, a law firm in Valdosta, announced Tuesday that he will run for Superior Court Judge in the Southern Judicial Circuit. Whitesell will be running for the seat currently held by the Honorable Richard M. Cowart who has announced his retirement. Driven by his devotion to service, Whitesell is ready to put his trusted experience and commitment to the law to work for the people of Brooks, Colquitt, Echols, Lowndes, and Thomas Counties.

Whitesell also announced endorsements for his campaign from the Sheriffs of 4 of the 5 counties in the Southern Judicial Circuit — Sheriff Ashley Paulk (Lowndes), R. Carlton Powell (Thomas), Randy Courson (Echols), and Mike Dewey (Brooks).

"Throughout my life, I have been committed to serving others. This commitment to service is what drove me to practice law, and it is why I am running for Superior Court Judge," Whitesell said. "After 23 years of practicing law in our community, I know that the people of South Georgia need an experienced Judge who will serve with integrity, faithfully follow the Constitution and the law, and have the courage to apply the law firmly yet fairly to ensure justice is done.

"With over two decades of experience practicing law, I have real experience in the law...not a mere sampling. I will bring to the Bench the necessary experience that the people should expect and can trust on the bench. During my career, I have represented people and businesses on both sides of the courtroom in civil cases, prosecuted crimes in municipal court, defended the accused in private practice, and handled complicated family cases. I also bring the real-world, business perspective of starting and running my own law firm. I understand what it means to have employees who depend on you and the reality of signing both the front and back of your own paycheck. My broad experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the bench."

"My commitment to efficiency, service, and the rule of law will guide me every day as your Judge. I know the job is to apply the law to secure justice — not to interpret the law or change it like an activist judge. I will bring the patience and temperament expected in a good Judge. I will be tough yet fair — never being afraid to hand down the toughest judgments when needed for violent offenders to keep our families safe but also knowing when to show mercy to those deserving of it."

"My passion for service, commitment to the law, and desire to keep our community a great and safe place to raise our families will drive me every day. I look forward to earning your trust and vote in the months ahead," Whitesell concluded.

Raised in Valdosta, Whitesell graduated from Valdosta High School. He received his B.A. from Presbyterian College and his law degree from Florida State University.

With over 20 years of experience practicing law, Whitesell got his start as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Southern Judicial Circuit before accepting a position in private practice specializing in insurance defense, criminal law, and real estate law. He then opened his own law firm, William Long Whitesell, LLC, which has given him broad, unmatched experience and a deep understanding of peoples' needs and experiences. He also serves as the Prosecutor in Municipal Court for the city of Remerton, a position he has held for 20 years.

During his career, Whitesell has represented both sides of the courtroom in civil cases. He has prosecuted crimes in municipal court — seeking thorough but thoughtful punishment. He has defended the accused in his private practice and handled complex family cases. His readiness in the law is notable.

Devoted to service, Whitesell first found his passion for serving others in the Boy Scouts and eventually as an Eagle Scout and continued leading charitable efforts at his college. Now, Whitesell serves the Valdosta community through numerous charities and non-profits, including serving as President of the South Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a board member of the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County, Partnership Health Center of Valdosta, Scintilla Charter Academy School Board, and of My Father's Business that provides free martial counseling.

A family man, Whitesell has been married to Erin for 6 years, and they have 2 children, Will and Cate. A man of faith, Whitesell and his family are active members of Park Avenue Methodist Church.