Democratic McKenzie Cantrell, of Louisville, will not be seeking re-election in a newly drawn district, instead, she will seek the office of Judge of the Court of Appeals.
Cantrell filed for the post on Monday, a day before the filing deadline, and as a lawsuit is pending against the newly drawn legislative boundaries for the House of Representatives.
The Louisville lawmaker made her way to Frankfort in the 2016 election season in one of the hottest contested races that even included a robocall message to residents from then-President Barack Obama. The 38th House District she represents was redrawn in the redistricting process, placing Cantrell and Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville, in the same district.
“After much reflection and conversations with close friends and family, I filed the official paperwork to become a candidate for the Kentucky Court of Appeals,” Cantrell wrote her followers on social media. “I will continue serving my term in the legislature through the end of the year.”
Cantrell publicly considered a run for Congress in the 3rd District before deciding to file for the Judicial position. She holds a law degree from the University of Louisville and has been an attorney and an adjunct professor of law. Cantrell has filed for the position on the Court of Appeals currently held by Judge Denise Clayton, who is not seeking re-election.
