Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) — Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed Brian Keith Cochran to serve as Mercer County’s 13th Circuit Court Judge. Cochran will fill the vacancy left following the retirement of Judge William J. Sadler in December.
“Cochran’s extensive courtroom experience, commitment to justice under the law, and deep roots in Mercer County make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Circuit Court Judge,” said Governor Morrisey. “His career reflects both legal excellence and a strong dedication to public service.”
Cochran has served as the Prosecuting Attorney for Mercer County since 2020 and brings more than three decades of combined law enforcement and legal experience to the bench. Throughout his career, Cochran has handled a wide range of criminal and civil matters and has represented individuals, businesses, municipalities, and governmental entities across the state.
Cochran earned his Juris Doctor from the Appalachian School of Law and holds degrees in criminal justice and liberal arts from Fairmont State College, Marshall University, and Glenville State College. He was admitted to the West Virginia State Bar in 2007 and has since practiced law in both the public and private sectors, including service as City Attorney for the City of Bluefield and as an associate attorney in private practice.
In addition to his legal career, Cochran has received numerous honors, including American Legion Police Officer of the Year and the United States Attorney’s Department of Justice Award for Meritorious Service. A lifelong West Virginian, Cochran has been actively involved in youth sports, church activities, and civic life in Mercer County. He and his wife, Connie, have been married for more than 30 years and have raised three children in the county.
Cochran said he looks forward to continuing this tradition of service in Mercer County. “I greatly appreciate Governor Morrisey’s confidence in me to assume this very important role in our community. I pledge to ensure that justice is done fairly and impartially, and to be respectful to all who come before the court in order to provide every party a full and fair opportunity to be heard.”
Cochran will have to run in the May 2026 election to serve for the remaining seven years of Judge Sadler’s term.
