Candidates announce intentions for Anderson County judgeships
Spitzer seeking appointment as a Circuit Court judge
RYAN SPITZER
Spitzer has announced he will seek the office of Circuit Court judge in Anderson County following the early retirement of Circuit Judge Donald R. Elledge, effective June 30.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is expected to appoint a new judge to fill the remainder of the term until the regular election next year. Spitzer announced he will be seeking the appointment by the governor, and also intends to be a candidate in the Republican Primary on May 3, 2022.
Spitzer has served as an assistant district attorney here in Anderson County for the past 13 years, helping to investigate and prosecute thousands of criminal cases in both General Sessions and Circuit courts.
He also serves as the prosecutor for the Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force working closely with agents to target the worst violent and drug-related offenders. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Spitzer practiced civil law including divorce, bankruptcy, probate, contract disputes, and general civil litigation.
Spitzer said “The office of Circuit Court judge here in Anderson County involves hearing both civil matters and a large number of criminal cases, many of which involve violent crime, burglary, theft, and drug trafficking. My 13 years prosecuting criminal cases in this court, as well as my earlier civil background, make me particularly well-suited to take on this role. I am prepared to serve the people of Anderson County from day one. The impact of COVID has left no time for on-the-job training.
“It has been an honor to practice law in front of Judge Elledge for the past 13 years,” Spitzer said. “And I am committed to continuing to build upon the legacy of fairness and professionalism that he leaves behind.”
A native Tennessean, Spitzer served as a medic in the Army National Guard for six years from 1993 to 1999 while obtaining his bachelor of science degree from Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1999, and graduating from Vanderbilt Law School in 2003.
Ryan and his wife, Tracy, reside in Oak Ridge along with their two sons, Rogan, 9, and Keegan, 6.
They attend St Mary’s Church in Oak Ridge.