Governor appoints new judges for Porter, Randolph counties

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has appointed two judges to fill bench vacancies in Porter and Randolph counties.

Mark Chargualaf, a criminal defense attorney in northern Indiana, will take the bench of the Porter Superior Court 6, and Olivia Faddis, a Winchester attorney, will lead the Randolph Superior Court.

“These individuals bring proven judicial experience and dedication to Hoosiers and their families,” Braun said in a press release on Thursday. “I am confident their commitment to justice and public service will benefit their communities and our state.”

Chargualaf, a 2012 graduate from the now closed Valparaiso University School of Law, has years of experience as a public defender in Porter, Lake, Starke and Pulaski counties, during which he handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to high felonies, according to the press release.

“I sincerely appreciate the confidence [Braun] has placed in me to serve the citizens of Porter County in this important role,” Chargualaf said in the announcement. “I look forward to upholding the rule of law with integrity, fairness, and respect for all who appear before the court.”

Chargualaf has also served as judge pro tempore in the Lake Superior Court Felony Division, Merrillville Town Court and Porter Circuit and Superior Courts.

In Randolph County, Faddis had already expressed interest in serving as judge. She ran as a Republican in the 2026 primary election for Randolph Superior Court against challenger James Fry, a Winchester attorney. Faddis won the GOP ticket with 68% of the votes and advanced to November’s general election.

She’ll take the bench after the court’s former judge, Dale Arnett, was permanently banned in November from judicial service. The Indiana Supreme Court found that he committed judicial misconduct through a pattern of mismanagement, delay and dereliction of judicial duties.

Judge Kimberly Dowling has been presiding over the courtroom as judge pro tempore since April 2025 when Arnett took a leave of absence.

A 2020 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law in Ohio, Faddis has represented clients in family law, adoption, guardianship, small claims, criminal, juvenile delinquency and Child in Need of Services cases, according to the governor’s office.

“In my career, I have strived to approach the law with diligence, impartiality, and a steadfast commitment to justice,” Faddis said. “I look forward to bringing those same values to the bench.”

Braun’s office is now accepting judicial applications for the Randolph Circuit Court. Applications are due Monday, June 8.

In Indiana, local judges serve six-year terms. In most counties, they earn the seat by being elected. When a judge leaves office during his or her term, the governor chooses a replacement for the term.

When there is a vacancy in Allen, Lake, Marion and St. Joseph Counties, lawyers apply to fill the seat rather than run for election. The governor makes the appointment, and after their first term, those judges run for retention in the general election.