Judge Pamela Goodwine Becomes First Black Woman Elected to Kentucky Supreme Court

Lexington, Kentucky – Court of Appeals Judge Pamela Goodwine is poised to make history by becoming the first Black woman elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court. As of mid-Tuesday evening, Goodwine was leading in every county within the eight-county Kentucky Supreme Court District 5, including a substantial victory in Fayette County, where she garnered a remarkable 60-point margin with 89,660 votes against her opponent, Erin Izzo, who received 21,743 votes.

Goodwine, a seasoned jurist with 25 years of judicial experience, emphasized her extensive background on the bench as a decisive factor for voters. In contrast, Izzo, a private attorney from Lexington, entered the race without any judicial experience. “We don’t need someone on the Kentucky Supreme Court who has to learn how to be a judge,” Goodwine stated during her campaign, urging voters to consider her qualifications.

In her acceptance speech, Goodwine reiterated her commitment to experience, honesty, and a dedication to the rule of law. “Our campaign stood firmly on experience, honesty, and a commitment to impartiality and the rule of law to protect and serve every citizen,” she said, expressing gratitude to her supporters. This victory not only brings a historic achievement for Goodwine but also shifts the Kentucky Supreme Court to a majority-female composition for the first time.

Goodwine will become the fifth person in Kentucky’s history to serve at all levels of the judiciary and the first woman to hold this distinction. Her election contributes to a broader trend in which candidates supported by conservative groups have recently faced defeat in high-profile judicial races, as seen in 2022 when three such candidates lost decisively.

The campaign was not without personal challenges for Goodwine. She faced the tragic loss of her 19-year-old granddaughter, Journee Padgett, and her infant great-granddaughter, Alanee Grace, in a car accident just weeks before the election, underscoring her resilience throughout the campaign.

Izzzo congratulated Goodwine following the election results, acknowledging the difficulties faced as a first-time candidate with limited resources. “We knew it was an uphill battle going against a well-known judge with huge money being spent on her behalf,” Izzo wrote, expressing appreciation for her supporters.

As Goodwine steps into this pivotal role, her victory marks a significant moment in Kentucky’s judicial history, reflecting both a shift in the composition of the court and the evolving landscape of judicial elections in the state.