The recent announcement from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts highlights an important development in the state’s judicial system: eight qualified applicants are vying to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Section. This seat was previously held by Judge Kyle A. Hixson, who was appointed by Governor Bill Lee to the Tennessee Supreme Court in January 2026, pending legislative confirmation (with reports indicating advancement through the Senate Judiciary Committee).

Judge Hixson’s elevation creates this opening on the intermediate appellate court that handles criminal appeals from the Eastern Grand Division of Tennessee, covering areas including Knoxville and surrounding regions. His move to the state’s highest court underscores his respected career, having previously served as a Knox County Criminal Court judge (appointed in 2019) before joining the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2022.

The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now reviewing applications to nominate three candidates to Governor Lee, who will ultimately make the appointment (subject to legislative confirmation). The eight applicants are:

•  Bryce William McKenzie

•  Paul Othneil Moyle, IV

•  Alex E. Pearson

•  Marshall (Mark) A. Raines, Jr.

•  Hector Ian Sanchez

•  Stacy Lee Street

•  Thomas J. Tabor, Jr.

•  Brennan Maureen Wingerter

These candidates represent a diverse pool of legal professionals, including attorneys from various backgrounds across the state, with some local ties noted in East Tennessee communities (for example, Stacy Street has been highlighted as a local attorney in regional coverage).

A key upcoming event for those interested in the judicial selection process: public interviews with all eight applicants are scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM EST. The interviews will take place in the courtroom of the Knoxville Supreme Court Building, located at 505 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.

This open session provides transparency into Tennessee’s merit-based judicial appointment system, allowing members of the public, legal community, and media to observe the candidates’ qualifications, experience, and judicial philosophy firsthand. Following the interviews, the Council will deliberate and vote to forward three names to the Governor.

The Court of Criminal Appeals plays a vital role in Tennessee’s justice system, reviewing trial court decisions in criminal cases to ensure fair application of the law. Filling this vacancy thoughtfully will help maintain the court’s effectiveness and integrity.

For more details on the applicants or the process, check the official press release from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. If you’re in the Knoxville area or following Tennessee judicial matters, attending or watching coverage of the March 5 interviews could offer valuable insight into the future of criminal appellate justice in the Eastern Section. Stay tuned for updates as the selection progresses!