Newly elected Circuit Judge Andrew Hairston was officially sworn into office on Tuesday as he took the oath of office administered by District Judge Wes Mobley. Judge Hairston fills a vacancy left by veteran Circuit Judge Randall Cole who has retired following 44 years of service to the 9th Judicial Circuit.

We spoke to Judge Hairston Following his ceremony.

We also asked Judge Hairston what it means to be filling the shoes of one of the most well know Judges in the 9th Circuit.

Among those in attendance were Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor, Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell, Probate Judge Tim Burgess, Circuit Clerk Dewayne Amos and District Court Judge Wes Mobley, Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, Chief Deputy Josh Summerford in addition to a number of community supporters, family members, members of the local Bar and a number of representatives from the Cherokee County Court system.

Hairston is married to his wife Jessi and they have a 1 year old son named AJ. (pictured below)