CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed Brian Keith Cochran to serve as Mercer County’s 13th Circuit Court judge.
Cochran fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge William J. Sadler in December. He will have to run in the May 2026 election if he wants to serve the remaining seven years of Sadler’s term.
Prior to his appointment, Cochran has served as Mercer County’s prosecuting attorney since 2020. He brings more than three decades of combined law enforcement and legal experience, handling a wide range of criminal and civil matters and representing individuals, businesses, municipalities and governmental entities across the state.
He was admitted to the West Virginia State Bar in 2007 and has practiced law in both the public and private sector
“Cochran’s extensive courtroom experience, commitment to justice under the law, and deep roots in Mercer County make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Circuit Court Judge,” Morrisey said. “His career reflects both legal excellence and a strong dedication to public service.”
Cochran holds degrees in criminal justice and liberal arts from Fairmont State College, Marshall University and Glenville State College and earned his Juris Doctor from the Appalachian School of Law.
He has also received numerous honors, including American Legion Police Officer of the Year and the U.S. attorney’s Department of Justice Award for Meritorious Service.
Cochran lives in Mercer County with his wife, Connie. They have been married for more than 30 years and have three children.
Cochran said he looks forward to continuing his service to the county.
“I greatly appreciate Governor Morrisey’s confidence in me to assume this very important role in our community. I pledge to ensure that justice is done fairly and impartially, and to be respectful to all who come before the court in order to provide every party a full and fair opportunity to be heard,” he said.