John T. Shepherd

John Thomas Shepherd (born 1987) is an American lawyer who has served as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas since 2026. He previously served as a judge of the Arkansas 13th Judicial State Circuit Court in El Dorado, Arkansas from 2025 to 2026.

Early life and education

Shepherd was born in 1987 in El Dorado, Arkansas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009 from Rice University and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude in 2013 from University of Arkansas School of Law. During his time at Rice, he played quarterback for the Rice Owls football team.

Career

From 2025 to 2026, Shepherd has served as a judge of the Arkansas 13th Judicial State Circuit Court in El Dorado, Arkansas. He previously served as a prosecuting attorney in the same circuit. On February 4, 2026, a hearing on his nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee. On March 5, 2026, his nomination was reported from the Judiciary Committee by a 12–10 party-line vote. On April 13, 2026 the Senate invoked cloture by a 50–44 vote. The following day, the Senate confirmed his nomination in a 53–46 vote. He received his judicial commission on April 23, 2026.