Attorney named Howard County judge by Gov. Braun

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:19 AM

By Staff report

Governor Mike Braun announced he has made selections to fill three judicial vacancies. Joshua McMahan, Kevin McDaniel, and Elliott McKinnis have been appointed to fill the vacancies.

"These appointments reflect a strong commitment to experience, fairness, and the rule of law,” Gov. Mike Braun said. “Each appointee brings a deep understanding of the courtroom and a clear dedication to public service, and I am confident they will serve their communities with integrity."

Joshua McMahan has been appointed to the Howard Superior Court 1. McMahan received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree (summa cum laude) from Ball State University and received his Juris Doctor from IU McKinney School of Law in 2010. He has served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Howard County Major Felony Division, handling numerous major felony jury trials. McMahan has been a partner at Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan & McClelland for 13 years.

Kevin McDaniel has been appointed to the Tippecanoe Superior Court 1. McDaniel received a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 2007 and a Juris Doctor from Valparaiso School of Law in in 2010. McDaniel has tried approximately 70 jury trials during his 15 years as a deputy prosecuting attorney in both Tippecanoe and Vandenburg County.

Elliott McKinnis has been appointed to the West Lafayette City Court. McKinnis received a bachelor's degree from Ball State University and a Juris Doctor from IU McKinney School of Law in 2010. McKinnis served as deputy prosecuting attorney for the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office and the deputy public defender for the Tippecanoe County Public Defender's Office. He currently works full time for Cook Research Incoporated and will retain his position while taking on this new part-time role.