Kentucky Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter has announced that he will not seek reelection for another term on the state Supreme Court in 2024.
AP reports that VanMeter took on the role of chief justice at the beginning of this year, succeeding Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr.
He was chosen by his colleagues on the seven-member court for the position and will continue as the state’s chief justice for the remainder of his term.
VanMeter won election to the state’s highest court in 2016. He did not provide specific reasons for his decision not to seek another term. He represents a central Kentucky district that includes several counties.
In a news release, VanMeter expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of central Kentucky and to have been elected as chief justice. However, he believes it is the right time for him to step down and pass the responsibility to someone else.
VanMeter’s announcement allows qualified judges and lawyers to consider running for his seat in next year’s election. His career on the bench spans nearly 30 years and he’s the only person to have held office at all four levels and to have served as chief justice.
