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MARK STEPHEN STAPLETON
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Mark S. Stapleton is a Rogersville attorney serving as interim Circuit Court Judge for Tennessee's Third Judicial District, Part II — covering Greene, Hamblen, Hancock and Hawkins counties — after being appointed by Republican Governor Bill Lee on April 28, 2026 to fill the vacancy created when Judge William E. Phillips II was elevated to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section 12. Stapleton is running as an Independent to hold the seat in the August 6, 2026 general election against Greeneville attorney Crystal Jessee 2. He describes his judicial philosophy as one of "judicial restraint and integrity" and pledges to decide cases based on "the original intent of the law"; he self-identifies as a lifelong conservative 3.
Background and education
Stapleton, 63, is a lifelong East Tennessean 2. He is married to Julianne and has children and grandchildren in the area 3. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1985 and his Juris Doctor from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama in 1989, and was admitted to the Tennessee bar in 1990 45. He also holds a master's-level advanced degree (LL.M.) in health law 5.
Career
Stapleton founded Stapleton Law Office, P.C. in Rogersville in 1997 and has practiced law for more than 35 years, concentrating in personal injury, criminal defense and insurance defense 5. He has represented other attorneys in their own personal-injury matters, and has represented chiropractors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses in litigation including breach-of-contract claims and in defense before their respective disciplinary boards 5. Stapleton is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, has been named to the Tennessee Super Lawyers list, and speaks frequently at continuing legal-education events 45. According to his firm, its practice has obtained the highest jury verdict for a personal-injury case in Hawkins County, in excess of seven figures 5.
Office history
Stapleton took office as interim Circuit Court Judge, Third Judicial District, Part II following his April 28, 2026 appointment by Governor Lee and is serving in that role through the August 6, 2026 general election 12.
Family
Stapleton is married to Julianne and has children and grandchildren living in East Tennessee 3.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
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State offices (Governor, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee, statewide judiciary) —
Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “STAPLETON”, and submit.
US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the FEC — see the federal section below. - County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“STAPLETON”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “STAPLETON”and, if needed, select the applicable position.