Circuit Court Judge Hugh C. Downer Jr. has filed for re-election to his position in the 15th Judicial District, which comprises Coos and Curry counties.

Downer was initially appointed to the bench in 1981 by Gov. Victor Atiyeh as District Court Judge for Curry County. In 1985, Atiyeh appointed Downer to his current position as Circuit Court Judge for Position No. 3, which is located in Gold Beach, the county seat for Curry County. He has been re-elected to three terms as a circuit court judge.

During his 23 years on the bench, Downer has tried all varieties of cases in Coos and Curry counties, as well as assisting other courts throughout the state. Prior to assuming the bench, Downer served three years as an assistant district attorney in Coos County and had six years of private law practice in Portland and Gold Beach.

Downer graduated from the University of Michigan and Stanford University School of Law.

He lives in Gold Beach with his wife, Lynn. They have two daughters who both live in the Seattle area.