Judicial candidate receives sheriff’s endorsement

TYLER — A Tyler lawyer running for a local judgeship in the March GOP primary has received the endorsement of Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith. In a prepared statement, Smith says, “Debby Gunter has the right attitude, knowledge, work ethic, and demeanor to make a great judge of the 241st State District Court.” Gunter is currently a partner at Findlay Craft, P.C. in Tyler, where she handles complex civil cases, according to a news release. Gunter is the only announced candidate for the seat thus far. Longtime 241st District Judge Jack Skeen will be retiring after his current term.