MAGA Judge in Iowa Caught OWI: Driving on Wrong Way of Highway

Adria Kester is a Republican-GOP-MAGA appointed judge for District 2B in Iowa (appointed in 2017 by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds).

Faithful to Republican lawlessness, entitled arrogance, and disregard for people's lives and safety, Judge Kester was charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) as she was caught drunk driving into incoming traffic on the highway.



Iowa Judge Arrested
This undated photo provided by the Iowa Judicial Branch on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, shows Adria Kester, chief judge of the state’s Second Judicial District. (Iowa Judicial Branch via AP)

Adria Kester, a Republican Iowa judge, has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) after witnesses say she drove the wrong way on a highway, as she passed out behind the wheel. Would you want to be standing in the witness box before such a judge? But this exemplifies what little respect MAGA Republicans have for their profession. 

The criminal complaint against her said drivers called 911 on Tuesday night to report a truck driving eastbound in the westbound lanes on U.S. Highway 30 near Boone. One of the witnesses said the driver looked unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel.

A witness reported getting out of their own vehicle as the offending vehicle was still slowly moving in the highway median. The witness said she had to climb in the back window to put the GMC Canyon Denali truck in park and shut it off.

A deputy with the Boone County sheriff’s office said he found Kester in the driver’s seat appearing to be heavily intoxicated and unsteady. He wrote that Kester, 55, of nearby Ogden, could not walk on her own and was assisted to an ambulance for treatment. After medical treatment, Kester still could not walk and refused to answer whether she would be willing to undergo field sobriety testing. A warrant was issued to obtain a sample of Kester’s blood at the Boone County Hospital. She was arrested for first offense operating while intoxicated and booked into jail around 4 a.m.

County Sheriff Andy Godzicki said the blood specimen would be shipped to a state crime laboratory for testing. He said he was glad that no one was injured in the incident.

Many are wondering if Donald Dump, chief protector of all Republican criminals, will intercede on her behalf or perhaps even pardon her to clear her criminal record. Kester pleaded not guilty in court next to her attorney, Matt Lindholm, who is known for getting drunk drivers off the hook.

“Judge Kester recognizes the seriousness of the situation and is fully cooperating with law enforcement and the judicial process,” Lindholm said in a statement. “She is committed to addressing this matter responsibly and in accordance with the law.”

The state's seven-member Judicial Qualifications Commission investigates allegations of misconduct by Iowa judges, and can recommend the retirement, discipline or removal of a judicial officer to the Iowa Supreme Court.  A judge ordered Kester released without bond after an initial court appearance Wednesday morning. The judge also ordered her to submit to a substance abuse evaluation and follow any recommendations for treatment in the next 30 days.