This week, Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. Vanmeter announced that he would retire upon the end of his term next year instead of running for reelection. 

Vanmeter has served on the Supreme Court since 2016, and as a judge for nearly three decades. 

He’s served Fayette County as a district and circuit judge and been a court of appeals judge before his time on the highest state court. 

“The greatest privileges of my professional life have been to serve the people of Central Kentucky as their Justice on the Court for the past seven years, and to have been elected by my colleagues as Chief Justice,” Vanmeter said in a statement.

“However, the time is right for me to begin a new chapter and turn the reins over to someone else. I am announcing my decision now so that any qualified judges and lawyers can make the decision as to whether this office and consequent election campaign are appropriate for them.”

The primary election for Vanmeter’s seat will be May 21, 2024. Vanmeter will remain in office until a new judge is appointed,

” I am grateful and humbled by the trust of voters, my colleagues, and for the support of my family,” he said. ” I will honor the trust reposed on me by finishing this term dedicated fully to the judicial process for the people of Kentucky.”