About Judge Wesley Gozia
Lifelong Local Conservative
Judge Wesley Gozia was born in Fayette County and raised in Clinton County. His mother, Dr. Penny Gozia, educated him early on the tremendous responsibility of serving the public.
Gozia graduated from Central Community High School in Breese. He later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Saint Louis University, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.
Gozia was appointed unanimously by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Douglas Jarman. Prior to being appointed Judge, Gozia practiced law for over 14 years at Gozia Law Firm, LLC in Carlyle and Salem.
Gozia was a Member of the Marion County Board from 2017 to 2022 and President of the Kaskaskia College Foundation Board from 2023 to present.
Gozia is active in youth sports, coaching varied sports that his kids are active in. Gozia resides with his wife, René, and their two children in Salem. The family attends Grace Methodist Church of Salem, where Wesley serves as Trustee on the Endowment Committee.
Gozia is running for Judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois. The Fourth Judicial Circuit includes nine counties—Christian, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion, Montgomery and Shelby.
The primary election will be held on March 17, 2026.
“I have known Wes since he was a child. I have watched him grow from a promising young man to the respectable, hard-working lawyer and judge he is today. I am very proud of him professionally but also as a great husband and father.”
Chief Bob Fix, retired Chief of Police for the city of Breese“I have worked with Judge Gozia when he was a practicing attorney. I am impressed by his dedication to the law, his research ability and his professional and courteous manner. I know he will continue to be a great judge.”
Jennifer Price, Wham & Wham of CentraliaPhotos
Judge Wesley Gozia and his wife, Rene, and two children, Libby and Hank.
