J. Nick Payne
Candidate for District Judge, 6th Judicial District, Division 1
Background
- Occupation
- Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney
Daviess County prosecutor, now an assistant in the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, whose courtroom career began in 1999 and who joined the Daviess County Attorney's Office in 2002. An Owensboro native, he holds degrees from Centre College and the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Documented positions
Courts & justice
Pledges a more streamlined, efficient district court
ReportPayne seeking election as Daviess District Court, Division 1 judgeInterview · The Owensboro Times · Nov 14, 2025 · owensborotimes.com
“Nobody really wants to go, but I want to make it as streamlined as possible, as efficient as possible”
Pledges to follow the law as written
ReportJudge candidates tout experience in race for Daviess District Court seatInterview · Messenger-Inquirer · May 15, 2026 · messenger-inquirer.com
“making sure everyone gets a fair trial, and following the law, not what I think the law is”
Pledges to explain rulings to both sides
ReportJudge candidates tout experience in race for Daviess District Court seatInterview · Messenger-Inquirer · May 15, 2026 · messenger-inquirer.com
“They need to explain to both sides, so they know why the court has ruled the way it has”
Supports making juvenile justice a priority
ReportPayne seeking election as Daviess District Court, Division 1 judgeInterview · The Owensboro Times · Nov 14, 2025 · owensborotimes.com
“One of the biggest concerns I have is juvenile justice right now, and that needs to be touched upon”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from J. Nick Payne on them.
- Public safetyNo documented position found.
All sources (5)
- Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State, 2026 General Election (Daviess County offices and districts)
Election filing · Kentucky Secretary of State · web.sos.ky.gov
- Daviess County sample ballot, General Election, November 3, 2026 (composite of every race and question, with the precincts where each appears; published under KRS 424.290)
Election filing · Daviess County Clerk · daviessky.org
- Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Kentucky Secretary of State · web.sos.ky.gov
- Payne seeking election as Daviess District Court, Division 1 judge
Interview · The Owensboro Times · Nov 14, 2025 · owensborotimes.com
- Judge candidates tout experience in race for Daviess District Court seat
Interview · Messenger-Inquirer · May 15, 2026 · messenger-inquirer.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.