2026 Kentucky General Election

Payne seeking election as Daviess District Court, Division 1 judge

J. Nick Payne earned a dual degree in economics and government from Centre College and a law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He is a married father.

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Nick has worked as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for Kentucky's Sixth Judicial Circuit Commenwealth's Attorney Office since 2002.

J. Nick Payne's campaign for Kentucky District Court Judge, District 6 is his first entry into politics.

Payne making run for District Court seat | News - Messenger-Inquirer

Nick previously lost the 2022 race for the Kentucky's 6th District Judge – 3rd Division.

As of August 17, 2026, J. Nick Payne did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Serves on the St. Joseph Peace Mission Board, a role he’s held since 2019, and participates in church activities and youth sports.

- Serves on the St. Joseph Peace Mission Board, a role he’s held since 2019, and participates in church activities and youth sports.

Community Involvement

Ethics & Conduct

As a local attorney with over 15 years of experience in family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation, Payne is seeking election as a judge for Daviess District Court, Division 1.

Has over 15 years of experience in family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation.

- Has over 15 years of experience in family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation.

Legal Experience

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J. Nick Payne

Buket Urgen

Public defender Lelah Rogers announces run for Daviess District ...

Lelah Rogers is from California. She has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles and a law degree from the University of Kentucky. She lives in Owensboro with her husband and five children.

Lelah currently works as an attorney for the Department of Public Advocacy. She previously worked as a paralegal.

Lelah's campaign for judge for Kentucky's 6th Judicial District is her first run for public office.

Believes "limited resources can leave individuals incarcerated longer than necessary simply because appropriate placements or services are unavailable."

- Believes "limited resources can leave individuals incarcerated longer than necessary simply because appropriate placements or services are unavailable."

Said "[a] district judge must listen carefully, apply the law consistently, and treat every person with dignity. Experience in the courtroom matters when making fair and informed decisions."

Said she "believes that accountability and compassion are both essential elements of the justice system."

Believes "many young people in the court system come from unstable family situations and, in some cases, remain in detention not because they have committed violent crimes, but because there are limited safe alternatives."

- Said "[a] district judge must listen carefully, apply the law consistently, and treat every person with dignity. Experience in the courtroom matters when making fair and informed decisions."
- Said she "believes that accountability and compassion are both essential elements of the justice system."
- Believes "many young people in the court system come from unstable family situations and, in some cases, remain in detention not because they have committed violent crimes, but because there are limited safe alternatives."

Has worked with local organizations to provide support and resources for those in need.

- Has worked with local organizations to provide support and resources for those in need.

As of August 17, 2026, Lelah Rogers’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As a public defender, advocated for clients' rights, researched legal precedents, and presented defense arguments in court.

Has worked as a public defender and trial attorney for nearly 20 years, "with extensive work in district criminal and traffic cases, juvenile court, and proceedings in circuit and family courts."

- As a public defender, advocated for clients' rights, researched legal precedents, and presented defense arguments in court.
- Has worked as a public defender and trial attorney for nearly 20 years, "with extensive work in district criminal and traffic cases, juvenile court, and proceedings in circuit and family courts."

Lelah Rogers

- 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 6, Seat 1

Candidates (2)