James E. Alderman

A sixth-generation Floridian, Alderman attended Fort Pierce High School and grew up working on the family ranch.[1] The Aldermans raised cattle in St. Lucie county since 1830, well before Florida achieved statehood in 1845.[1]

Unknown men and Alderman

Alderman's first foray into public service began when Governor picked Alderman to serve as a County judge for St. Lucie County 1971. Five years later, Alderman successfully ran for St. Lucie county circuit judge in 1976, and was soon appointed to the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach by Governor later that year.[3]

Florida the 4th District Court election, 1977

November 7, 1977

Nominee James E. Alderman John L. Hill Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,183,828 1,166,919 Percentage 50.0% 49.2% Alderman:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% Hill:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Thompson:      50-60%

Florida the 4th District Court of Appeal before election Frederick B. Karl Democratic Elected Florida the 4th District Court of Appeal James E. Alderman Republican

Alderman was one of the first justices appointed by Governor under the new constitutional amendment that ended the direct election of supreme court justices to six-year terms.[4] A later constitutional amendment modified the provisions regarding term limits so that appointees face a retention election instead, which Alderman won.[5]