Judge Fran Gull, Allen Superior Court, announces that she will not be seeking re-election and will be retiring at the end of her term, December 31, 2026.
Allen Superior Court news release:
Superior Court Judge Fran Gull, Re-Election Plans
Fort Wayne, Indiana (January 19, 2026) – Judge Fran Gull, Allen Superior Court, announces that she will not be seeking re-election and will be retiring at the end of her term, December 31, 2026, after serving as Judge in the Criminal Division for almost 30 years.
“It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve the citizens of Allen County and the State of Indiana as a Criminal Court Judge.
Together with my colleagues, past and present, I have helped to establish one of the best judiciaries in the State.”
Judge Gull was elected to fill the vacancy created when Judge Philip R. Thieme retired at the end of his term in 1996. She ran an outstanding campaign against five highly qualified candidates, winning her seat then, and in four subsequent elections unopposed.
Judge Gull is trusting that the voters will once again make the right choice for her replacement.
She believes the voters should have the option of choosing her replacement, stating, “I chose not to run for re-election because I would not complete another six-year term and do not wish to suggest to the voters that I would complete that term.”
Judge Gull’s tireless efforts in jury reform led to the creation of the Indiana Jury Rules in 2002, which were adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court in 2003. She has been recognized nationally by The National Center for State Courts, which presented Judge Gull with the 2015 G. Munsterman Award for Jury Innovation, recognizing her transformative work in jury trials.
Judge Thomas Felts and Judge Gull established the first Joint Veterans’ Treatment Court Program in Allen County in 2013, recognizing that justice involved Veterans have needs not being met in the traditional criminal justice system.
Judge Gull also presides over the Allen Superior Court Drug Court Program, a renowned holistic treatment court with thousands of success stories. “I am especially proud of the professionals serving the Drug Court population, recognizing the need for second chances, rehabilitation, and redemption,” said Gull.
Over the holidays, Judge Gull had the opportunity to spend several weeks in discussions with family and close friends about what the future holds.
“I’ve conducted over a thousand jury trials in my career, too many high-profile and notorious cases to name. Those cases are difficult and take a toll. Now it is my opportunity to relax, spend time with family, friends, and my dogs, play with my grandchildren, expand my gardens, and travel. I have every confidence that the judiciary remains in good hands in Allen County and look forward to becoming a Senior Judge to help my colleagues as needed, particularly in the Drug Court Program.”
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