OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Governor Kevin Stitt appointed attorney Travis Jett for the open State Supreme Court position on Monday. Jett, who has been a private practice attorney in Woodward, was one of three finalists for the seat. He was the only one without any prior judicial experience. The two other nominees were district judges in Oklahoma. Jett has represented state agencies like the Tax Commission, Corporation Commission, and State Department of Health in the past. "I'll look forward to his prudent interpretation of the Constitution and the new energy he brings to the court," said Stitt. Jett was announced on Monday afternoon at the Capitol. He thanked the governor for the selection. Finalist for vacant Oklahoma Supreme Court seat tied to group that urged voters to create vacancy in the first place “It's a responsibility that I don't take lightly, and I'm committed to using all of my abilities to make sure that the law is applied in a fair, predictable and just manner," said Jett. He was one of 14 candidates who applied for the position after voters did not retain long-time Justice Yvonne Kauger during the November election. She had held the seat for 40 years. Two other Justices narrowly retained their seat during the election. All three were targets of dark money ads during election season that aimed to replace them. Oklahoma’s Judicial Nominating Commission was responsible for selecting the three finalists. While Jett was an attorney, he represented Oklahoma’s Council for Public Affairs, a group who has openly advocated for changing the nominating process in the past. The JNC was formed in the 1960s after bribery scandals with some of the state’s justices.The appointment does not need to go before the Senate for confirmation and there has been no announcement on when Jett will officially be sworn in. Stitt and Jett did not take questions from the media following the Monday announcement but he did give a brief statement. "I look forward to service to that state,” said Jett. “I'll fulfill my duties with great humility, and I could not be prouder to accept appointment to the Oklahoma Supreme Court." ...read more read less