2026 Kentucky General Election

Douglas J. Grothaus is a district court judge for the 16th District Court, which presides over Kenton County in Kentucky. He was re-elected without opposition in 2010. Grothaus received his undergraduate degree from Northern Kentucky University and his J. D. degree from the Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University.

Douglas J. Grothaus - Ballotpedia

Douglas received his undergraduate degree from Northern Kentucky University and his J. D. degree from the Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University.

Douglas is currently a district court judge for the 16th District Court, which presides over Kenton County in Kentucky. He was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. His term expired in 2019.

Covington Police arrest more than a dozen people at anti-ICE march

Douglas J. Grothaus is currently a district court judge for the 16th District Court, which presides over Kenton County in Kentucky. He was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. His term expired in 2019.

As a district judge, he frequently presides over high-profile local preliminary hearings. For example, in 2025, he was the presiding judge who arraigned over a dozen individuals arrested during an anti-ICE protest march across the Roebling Bridge in Covington.

- As a district judge, he frequently presides over high-profile local preliminary hearings. For example, in 2025, he was the presiding judge who arraigned over a dozen individuals arrested during an anti-ICE protest march across the Roebling Bridge in Covington.

Judicial Administration

As of August 12, 2026, Douglas J. Grothaus did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Ethics & Conduct

As a district court judge for the 16th District Court in Kenton County, Kentucky, he presided over various cases and was re-elected without opposition in 2010 and 2014.

- As a district court judge for the 16th District Court in Kenton County, Kentucky, he presided over various cases and was re-elected without opposition in 2010 and 2014.

Legal Experience

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Douglas J. Grothaus

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- District court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases, as well as, small claims (involving $2,500 or less), landlord eviction cases, and cases related to domestic violence and abuse. 
- In Kentucky, there are 116 district court judges serving in 60 judicial districts.
- District court judges are elected for four-year terms in nonpartisan elections. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only some judges are elected each year.
- District court judges earn ​$141,761 annually. 

Kentucky District Court Judge, District 16, Seat 3

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