From the record
Fayette Judge VanMeter Ousts Beshear Appointee Moynahan
Despite active support and intervention from Governor Beshear on behalf of his appointee, voters selected VanMeter to serve on the appellate bench, elevating a seasoned circuit judge with a 5 star rating on Judge-y
In the election for the Kentucky Court of Appeals 5th Appellate District (Division 1), Fayette Circuit Judge Lucy Ferguson VanMeter defeated incumbent Judge Will Moynahan. The contested nonpartisan judicial race drew significant attention due to direct political backing from Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, who originally appointed Moynahan to the bench in April 2025.
Background and Judicial Appointments
When a vacancy opened on the 5th District Court of Appeals in early 2025, the judicial nominating commission submitted candidates—including both Moynahan and VanMeter—to Governor Beshear. Beshear selected Moynahan, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Naval Reserve aviator who flew combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Under Kentucky law, appointed judges must stand for election at the next regular election to retain the seat. When Moynahan filed to maintain his position, VanMeter—who has served as a Fayette Circuit Court Judge since 2018 and previously spent years as a partner handling civil and criminal litigation—entered the race to challenge him.
Key Campaign Arguments
Although Kentucky judicial races are officially nonpartisan, the contest mirrored broader political divisions. Governor Beshear campaigned on Moynahan’s record of public service, federal prosecutorial experience, and military background.
In contrast, VanMeter grounded her campaign on the argument that appellate judges should possess extensive state-level trial court experience. Drawing on her years on the circuit bench and decades of private legal practice across Kentucky counties, she emphasized her deep familiarity with state courtroom proceedings and judicial administration.
Election Outcome
Despite active support and intervention from Governor Beshear on behalf of his appointee, voters selected VanMeter to serve on the appellate bench, elevating a seasoned circuit judge with a 5 star rating on Judge-y, highlighting the electorate's focus on state trial bench experience over the gubernatorial endorsement.
FINAL NUMBERS
Lucy Ferguson VanMeter
108,065
(58.58%)
Will Moynahan - Incumbent
76,419
(41.42%)
Defeated
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