Kentucky

2026 Kentucky Primary Election

Debra Hembree Lambert

Debra Lambert is from Kentucky. She has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a law degree from the University of Kentucky. 

Debra Hembree Lambert - Ballotpedia

Reflecting on her mountain roots, Debra Lambert takes public oath ...

Debra Hembree Lambert | BallotReady

Debra is a judge on the Kentucky Supreme Court. She previously served as a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals from 2015 to 2018. Before taking the bench, she practiced law in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, and served as an assistant commonwealth's attorney and city attorney for the city of Mount Vernon. She also previously worked as a family court judge for the 28th Circuit Court, where she created the first drug court in the area. 

Debra is currently a judge of the Kentucky Supreme Court, 3rd District. She was first elected in 2018. She was elected chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2024. Before serving on the Supreme Court, she was a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals from 2015 to 2018 and a family court judge for the 28th Circuit Court from 1999 to 2015.

As a family court judge, created the area's first drug court.

Believes in the importance of collaboration among government branches and community organizations to address the root causes of legal issues.

Supports access to justice, adequate funding, and mental health resources within the court system.

Wants to address the backlog of cases caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of March 10, 2026, Debra Hembree Lambert’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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- The Kentucky Supreme Court has seven justices and serves as the final authority on the Kentucky constitution and appeals within the state.
- It handles all civil, criminal, and state-related cases, including reviewing issues like life imprisonment and death penalty matters.
- Decisions are made collectively by majority vote, and a justice writes the majority opinion.
- The justices elect a Chief Justice who serves as the administrative head of the state's court system, serving a four-year term.
- Justices are elected for eight-year terms in nonpartisan elections from seven districts. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only some justices are elected each year.
- Justices earn $170,049​​​ annually.

One of seven judges who serves on the highest court in the Commonwealth of Kentucky 

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Debra Lambert is from the Appalachian region. She has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a law degree from the University of Kentucky. 

Debra is a judge on the Kentucky Supreme Court. She previously served as a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals from 2015 to 2018. Before taking the bench, she practiced law in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, and served as an assistant commonwealth's attorney and city attorney for the city of Mount Vernon. In 1999, she was appointed as a family court judge for the 28th Circuit Court. She later returned to private practice in 2007 until her election to the Court of Appeals in 2014.

Debra is currently a judge of the Kentucky Supreme Court, 3rd District. She was first elected in 2018. In 2024, she was elected chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court. Before serving on the Supreme Court, she was a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals from 2015 to 2018. She was appointed as a family court judge for the 28th Circuit Court in 1999.

As a family court judge, Lambert created the first drug court in her area.

Believes in improving access to legal resources for underserved communities, enhancing court system efficiency, and promoting mental health awareness within the judiciary for a more just and equitable society.

Emphasizes the importance of access to justice, adequate funding, and mental health resources within the court system.

Calls for innovative solutions to improve efficiency and ensure timely justice for all Kentuckians, addressing the backlog of cases exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commits to enhancing public trust in the judicial system through transparency and accountability, encouraging community engagement by judges and court personnel.

Emphasizes the importance of collaboration among government branches and community organizations to address root causes of legal issues, particularly in family law and criminal justice.