LA GRANDE — The 10th Judicial District is set for a transition in leadership as Governor Tina Kotek announced the appointment of a new circuit court judge to oversee Union and Wallowa counties.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Governor’s Office confirmed that Victoria E. Dethloff has been selected to fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Thomas Powers. The appointment is scheduled to officially take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Dethloff brings a wealth of legal experience to the bench, currently serving within the Oregon Department of Justice as part of the child advocacy and protection division. A graduate of the Willamette University College of Law, Dethloff has built a career noted for its focus on complex legal matters. According to a press release from the Governor’s Office, she possesses an extensive background in criminal law, alongside specialized expertise in juvenile dependency and delinquency proceedings.
The incoming judge will be stepping into a position held by Judge Thomas Powers for nearly a decade. Powers, whose retirement was announced earlier this summer, has been a fixture in the local judicial system since his initial appointment in 2017 by former Governor Kate Brown.
Following his appointment, Powers quickly secured the confidence of the electorate. He ran unopposed in the 2018 election and was subsequently reelected by Union County voters in 2024. During his tenure, Powers played a significant role in the administration of justice across the two-county district, serving as the presiding judge for the majority of his time on the bench. Beyond his standard courtroom responsibilities, he was instrumental in leading the treatment court programs in both Union and Wallowa counties, efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of recidivism and supporting rehabilitation within the community.
Dethloff’s transition into the role marks a significant shift for the 10th Judicial District. As she prepares to take the bench in January, the legal community will be looking to see how she applies her background in child advocacy and criminal law to the diverse needs of the rural circuits. Her appointment concludes a search for a successor capable of maintaining the stability and specialized court services established during Judge Powers’ years of service.
The appointment process for judicial vacancies in Oregon involves a rigorous review of candidates to ensure they meet the ethical and professional standards required of the bench. With this selection, the Governor’s Office has signaled a commitment to continuity in the 10th Judicial District as it prepares for the new year and the departure of a long-serving jurist.
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