Bryce Caldwell, an Owensboro attorney and partner at Gordon, Goetz, Johnson & Caldwell, has been appointed as a circuit court judge for Daviess County’s 6th Judicial Circuit.
Caldwell, who earned his juris doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan, was selected to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Jay Wethington. He will serve until the next election, which is scheduled for November 2026. If elected, he would complete the remainder of the original term through 2030 and would need to run again for a full eight-year term.
“It’s been a very humbling day, but an exciting day,” Caldwell said. “I’m excited for myself, my family and the community, and look forward to doing the job.”
The appointment process began when Caldwell applied for the position after Wethington’s retirement. He said a judicial commission interviewed applicants and forwarded three names to the governor’s office for final selection. Gov. Andy Beshear called Caldwell personally with the news.
“It was really surreal in a way,” Caldwell said about the governor’s call. “Once I found out it was good news, it kind of relaxed me a little bit. But there were still a few questions to answer. It was a good conversation and very humbling.”
Caldwell has practiced law for more than a decade, focusing on civil and criminal defense. He moved to Owensboro from Lexington in 2014 with his wife, who is from the area. Originally from Princeton, Caldwell said he’s grown to love Owensboro and built his practice here.
Circuit Court in Kentucky handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes involving more than $5,000, adoptions, divorces, and probate matters. District Court, by comparison, oversees misdemeanors, juvenile cases, probate of wills, traffic offenses, and civil disputes involving lesser amounts.
Daviess County is large enough that its circuit and district judges serve only within the county, unlike smaller circuits that cover multiple counties.
While he hadn’t always planned to become a judge, Caldwell said the timing felt right both professionally and personally.
“It was kind of a decision of, ‘Take a shot at it now, or wait a long time for another opportunity,’” he said. “I felt like I was at a good place in my career and ready to serve.”
Caldwell is now working to close out his private practice cases in preparation for his transition into his new role. Details on his swearing-in ceremony are still being finalized.
