Elizabethtown, NY — Surrounded by family and tradition, Kristy Sprague made history on Monday by becoming the first female county judge in Essex County, a judicial seat forged in 1799. Sworn in before a full house at the historic county courthouse, Sprague’s commitment to perseverance shone as she recited the oath of office, administered by state Supreme Court Judge Allison M. McGahey.
Defying early doubts about her capabilities, the 52-year-old Sprague, hailing from Moriah, stood proudly as a testament to ambition and resilience. In an echoing response to a guidance counselor who once doubted her potential, Sprague declared, “Look at me now,” shortly after the official proceedings.
Her path to the bench was marked by a resounding victory in November’s elections, where she secured 11,515 votes against attorney Brian Liam Kennelly’s 7,191, as confirmed by the Essex County Board of Elections. During her acceptance speech, Sprague attributed her historic achievement to the enduring ethos of grit and perseverance instilled by her parents—an ethos she passed along to the audience, emphasizing the power of unwavering support and encouragement over doubt.
Sprague’s educational journey took her from SUNY Plattsburgh, where she initially studied with aspirations to join the state troopers, to Albany Law School where she honed her legal acumen, graduating in 1998. Instead of law enforcement, Sprague embraced the challenges of law, starting her career beforehand in Clinton County as an assistant district attorney— even before confirming her passing of the state bar exam.
With a chuckle, she reminisced about her early career, thankful for having passed the bar, paving the way for her lifelong commitment to public service. Sprague spent her years as a prosecutor before her election as the district attorney in 2009, following which she continued to serve in the legal fronts of Essex County.
Her legal journey was supported by familial bonds and a broad network of mentors, colleagues, and community members. Among the attendees were relatives who had traveled from North Carolina, highlighting the widespread support that has bolstered her career. Former Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava, in his introduction, lauded Sprague’s readiness and compassion, vital traits for her significant role.
Acknowledging the transition from district attorney to county judge involves substantial adjustment, Sprague shared insights into her new responsibilities which are less public but crucial for maintaining judicial impartiality. She highlighted the upcoming virtual judge training and mentorship from Hamilton County Judge Tatiana Coffinger to ease her transition, alongside her temporary judicial role exchange due to procedural requirements.
As Sprague embraces her new role, she is prohibited from presiding over criminal cases in Essex County for a year due to her previous position as district attorney, ensuring fairness and the absence of conflicts of interest. In the meantime, she and Judge Coffinger will switch jurisdictions to accommodate this restriction.
New York county judges serve 10-year terms with a mandatory retirement at age 70, providing Sprague with a substantial tenure to influence her community and mentor future legal minds in her historic role.
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