How often is Trial Court Judge elected?

The position of Trial Court Judge is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Kentucky?

Filing fee: $200. Notarized signatures: petition must be sworn to by candidate and by two (2) registered voters from the district from which candidate seeks nomination.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Kentucky Secretary of State's office.

Where is the filing office?

State Capitol: 700 Capital Ave, Suite 148, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 502-564-3490.

How do I get started running for Trial Court Judge?

You can start running for Trial Court Judge by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for Trial Court Judge does not include a primary or runoff election.

Trial Court Judge in Kentucky

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for Trial Court Judge.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Lindsey TurnerDistrict 51
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Chris HendricksDistrict 42
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Enguerrand MeyatDistrict 15
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Tyler FrazierDistrict 25
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Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in Kentucky.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for Kentucky's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

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Find your polling location

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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About Trial Court Judge

About this position

District Court is the court of limited jurisdiction and handles juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, violations, traffic offenses, probate of wills, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, small claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and cases relating to domestic violence and abuse. District judges serve four-year terms.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: 112667.52
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of both the Commonwealth and of the district from which candidate is elected for 2 years next preceding taking office, licensed to practice law in the courts of the Commonwealth, and a licensed attorney for at least 2 years.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee: $200. Notarized signatures: petition must be sworn to by candidate and by two (2) registered voters from the district from which candidate seeks nomination.
Filing period
November 5, 2025 - June 2, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Kentucky Secretary of State's office.
Where to file
State Capitol: 700 Capital Ave, Suite 148, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Filing phone
502-564-3490
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

Trial Court Judge in Kentucky

On the ballot

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Kentucky's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About Trial Court Judge

About this position

Election type

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Judge

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About this guide

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