Two and a half years ago, Bryce Caldwell’s world turned upside down. He had a stroke, requiring emergency brain surgery and a lengthy recovery. At times, he couldn’t remember names or even read. But even in the thick of that uncertainty, one thing never wavered: his resolve to return to the law.
“I always wanted to get back,” Caldwell said. “I had too many clients. I wanted to finish the case. I’ve always wanted to finish the case if I started. That was my job for them.”
On Thursday, that perseverance came full circle as Caldwell was ceremonially sworn in as Circuit Judge for Daviess County’s 6th Judicial Circuit. Though he officially assumed the position in June, the ceremony marked a public celebration of his appointment — and of the journey that brought him there.
During the ceremony, Caldwell recounted the early days of his recovery and the overwhelming support he received.
“The Bar Association in this county — all over — tried to help with the practice I had to stop,” he said. “Judges bent over backwards. They were more concerned with how I was doing than if I was ever going to step into the courtroom again.”
Caldwell underwent a full craniotomy at Owensboro Health, followed by outpatient rehab at a local facility. With support from family, friends, and colleagues, he was back in the courtroom within a year.
“A lot of love, a lot of good medicine, and a lot of good prayers,” he said. “I really mean it when I say I’m humbled by this. It’s not this community’s privilege to have me appointed judge. It is my privilege to hold that position. I’m just a caretaker for this office until my time is up, hopefully a long time from now.”
Caldwell grew up in Princeton, Kentucky, where he and his brother Noel spent their childhood roaming the halls of the local courthouse. Their father, Brent, served as the county attorney, and their mother, Sue, worked as his administrative assistant. Though neither brother initially planned to follow their parents into legal work, both eventually did.
Bryce began his legal career in Lexington before moving to Owensboro in 2014 with his wife, and he eventually became a partner at Gordon, Goetz, Johnson & Caldwell.
The vacancy for the circuit judge seat came following the retirement of longtime Judge Jay Wethington. After a multi-stage application and interview process, a judicial commission forwarded three names to Gov. Andy Beshear, who ultimately selected Caldwell for the appointment.
As a circuit judge, Caldwell now oversees felony criminal cases, larger civil disputes, divorces, adoptions, and probate matters. Since stepping into the role, he’s been focused on keeping the docket moving and ensuring cases don’t fall behind.
“It’s been busy, but it’s been a great experience,” Caldwell said. “People have been great. It’s definitely been a rude awakening to see it from the other side, but no complaints. I’m loving it.”
Caldwell plans to run for election in 2026 to complete the remainder of the unexpired term through 2030, with the possibility of running again for a full eight-year term after that.
