FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Three attorneys have announced their candidacy for the 4th Judicial Circuit – Division 2 seat.

Kristin Pawlik, Wendy Howerton and Seth Creed are all running for the position.

Pawlik announced her candidacy on Sept. 22.

Kristin Pawlik

According to a press release, Pawlik is a lifelong Northwest Arkansas resident and has 26 years of legal experience.

Pawlik is a partner at the law firm Miller, Butler, Schneider, Pawlik & Rozzell.

“Running for judge was not a decision I made lightly,” Pawlike said in a statement. “I treasure the relationships I’ve built with clients — many of whom I’ve represented for more than a decade and stood with during their toughest hours. I’m running because the people of Washington and
Madison Counties deserve a judge who is proven in the courtroom and prepared to take on this challenging docket. I’ve seen what justice means for families at their hardest moments. That’s why I will bring the same competence, compassion, and commitment to serving you from the bench.”

Pawlik was born in Fayetteville and raised in Bentonville. She received a journalism and law degree from the University of Arkansas.

Pawlik served as a special associate justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court and chaired the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence. She now serves on the board of the Access to Justice Foundation. Pawlik was also elected as the President of the Arkansas Bar Association.

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Pawlik lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband and three children.

Wendy Howerton

Howerton announced her candidacy on July 23.

According to a press release, Howerton has practiced law for 20 years. She began her career as a public defender, founded Howerton Law Firm, and currently focuses on appellate work.

“Taking your case to court is a daunting, expensive, and time-consuming endeavor,” Howerton
said. “When citizens enter the judicial system, every day matters. I’m running to ensure cases
are resolved fairly and promptly because citizens’ lives, families, and peace of mind hang in the
balance.”

Howerton is from Jessieville. She graduated from Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas School of Law.

She is a member of the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct and coaches cross-country and track.

Howerton lives in Fayetteville with her husband and their children.

Seth Creed

Seth Creed announced his candidacy on August 19.

Creed has 15 years of law experience. He was a state prosecutor in Northwest Arkansas and has been a prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the past nine years.

“People deserve a judge who has integrity and who truly listens,” Creed said. “But don’t take my word for it. Ask around. Ask people who have seen me work in or out of court. I am confident they will tell you that I will earn your trust and your vote.”

Creed lives with his wife and three children in West Fork.

The circuit judge race is set for March 3.

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