State Rep. Joe Fischer, R- Ft. Thomas, has now officially filed to seek the 6th District state Supreme Court seat currently held by Justice Michelle Keller, who is seeking another term.
“After spending over two decades in the legislature advocating for common sense
conservative values, I have decided to seek election to Kentucky’s highest court,” Fischer said. “My career as an attorney and experience as a member of the House Judiciary Committee for so many years has provided me with a unique perspective regarding the needs of Kentucky’s courts.
“If elected, I will continue defending the rule of law and will support measures to ensure our judicial system effectively serves all citizens of our Commonwealth,” he continued. “I look forward to meeting with voters throughout the district to discuss how my experience in law, business and government has prepared me to excel in this important judicial position.”
The 6th Dist. Supreme Court seat represents Kentuckians in Bath, Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Fleming, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Henry, Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Robertson, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble.
Fischer’s run for the Supreme Court signals an interest from the Republican Party in remaking the Bench in their favor. Republicans have been stymied by the Court with rulings striking down multiple laws, including pension reforms in 2018, medical review panels in 2018, and Marsy’s Law in 2019. There has also been discomfort for GOP as the Court narrowly upheld Right to Work.
The Court will look different after the 2022 elections as Chief Justice John Minton Jr. will not seek another term in 2022. The Supreme Court of Kentucky is the court of last resort and the final interpreter of state law. It consists of seven justices who are elected from the seven appellate districts and serve eight-year terms. The Chief Justice of the Commonwealth is chosen by his or her colleagues and serves a term of four years. Together as a panel the justices hear appeals of decisions from the lower courts and issue decisions on cases.
During his time in Frankfort, Fischer has served on committees related to the Judiciary, State Government, Elections and Constitutional amendments, as well as Appropriations and Revenue. His move to run for the Supreme Court will now open up the 68th Dist. House Seat.
Justice Keller currently represents the Northern Kentucky Supreme Court seat, and is seeking another 8-year term in 2022. She was first appointed to the Court in April 2013 by Gov. Steve Beshear, D-Kentucky. She won the election to a full term in November 2014. Prior to her service on the bench, Justice Keller practiced law for 17 years. She served as an assistant county attorney for her home county of Kenton. Her private practice concentrated in the areas of medical negligence and product liability.
