Mayor and City Council Select Wilbur N. Hudson as New Chief Presiding Judge of the Phoenix Municipal Court

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and City Council have selected Wilbur N. Hudson III to serve as the next Chief Presiding Judge of the Phoenix Municipal Court, concluding a competitive recruitment process to identify a leader capable of guiding one of the nation’s busiest municipal courts.

Judge Hudson brings more than three decades of legal experience to the Phoenix Municipal Court, including the last 12 years on the bench. He has extensive experience across criminal, civil, and specialty courts.

“I am excited to welcome Judge Hudson as our next Chief Presiding Judge,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “A longtime public servant, Judge Hudson brings experience across multiple branches of government and specialized court programs including leading our Veterans Court."

A Record of Service and Innovation

Hudson has presided over a wide range of matters, including criminal jury trials, civil and criminal arraignments, financial and trucking court, and protective order hearings. He has also served as the Phoenix Veterans Court Judge for more than six years, where he has helped more than 3,000 veterans, with approximately 1,500 successful program graduations.

Under his leadership, Veterans Court has partnered closely with the Veterans Administration, the City Prosecutor’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and community organizations such as La Frontera Empact and Phoenix Rescue Mission to support veterans facing homelessness, substance abuse challenges, and mental health needs.

Hudson has also contributed statewide moderating sessions at the Arizona Veterans Treatment Court Conference to share best practices and strengthen specialty court programs across Arizona.

Broad Legal and Administrative Experience

Before joining the bench, Hudson spent nearly twenty years in private practice as well as time with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

His résumé reflects a career spanning nearly every role in the justice system, from bailiff to prosecutor to defense counsel to judge. This broad and balanced experience helps guide his work as a judge.

In his application, Hudson vowed to ensure the Court “remains and continues to improve as one of the most accessible, fair, and innovative courts in Arizona” and pledged to treat all who appear before the Court “equally, fairly, and with respect.”

“I am honored by the trust placed in me by the Mayor and City Council,” Hudson said. “Our Court plays a vital role in the community, and I look forward to working with our talented judges and staff to ensure fair and impartial justice, strengthen our specialty courts, expand accessibility, and enhance public engagement and trust.”

Community Leadership

Hudson has served with numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the III Cord Foundation, Hudson Heroes, Southminister Presbyterian Church, and the Scottsdale Housing Commission. His community work has focused on supporting veterans, children with cancer, individuals experiencing homelessness, and families in need.

Next Steps

Judge Hudson will assume the role of Chief Presiding Judge on June 3, 2026, succeeding former Chief Presiding Judge Don Taylor who was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court earlier this year.

Additional Quotes

Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington
“Today’s appointment of Judge Hudson marks a new chapter in Phoenix’s judicial leadership as we continually strive to support people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse and domestic violence. As an attorney, it is important to me that we don’t let our residents fall by the wayside while navigating our court system,” Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington said. “I look forward to working with him to ensure justice in our municipal court is administered equitably while protecting those in need.”

Councilman Kevin Robinson

“With more than 20 years of service with the Phoenix Municipal Court, Judge Hudson brings fairness and leadership to Phoenix's top judicial role," District 6 Councilman and Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee Chair Kevin Robinson said. "Through Veterans Court, he has served 3,000 Veterans, and I look forward to more collaboration that will strengthen our City's justice system in the community."

Councilwoman Ann O’Brien

“Having served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney before spending the past 12 years on the bench, Judge Wil Hudson understands the justice system from multiple perspectives and has earned a reputation for treating people with dignity and respect," said Councilwoman Ann O'Brien. "His leadership of Phoenix Veterans Court has helped connect veterans with services and support that address the underlying challenges that brought them into the justice system while helping them return to being successful, contributing members of the community. I believe Judge Hudson’s experience, leadership, and commitment to fairness will continue strengthening public trust and confidence in the Phoenix Municipal Court.”

Councilwoman Laura Pastor

“Phoenix Municipal Court plays an important role in the daily lives of residents and is often the public’s first interaction with the justice system,” Councilwoman Laura Pastor said. “Judge Hudson brings decades of legal and judicial experience to this position, including nearly 12 years on the Phoenix Municipal Court bench. I look forward to working with him as the Court continues its work to serve our city with fairness, accountability, and integrity.”