Kentucky Senate to Suspend Impeachment Trial Against Judge Julie Muth Goodman

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Kentucky Public Radio reported that the Kentucky Senate is set to suspend the impeachment trial of Fayette County Circuit Judge Julie Muth Goodman. This decision comes as the Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC) is now directing its own investigation into the matter.

The Senate impeachment committee had voted unanimously to halt the proceedings indefinitely. According to GOP Sen. Brandon Storm of London, who chairs the committee, the Senate may resume the trial next year, depending on the JCC’s actions. Storm emphasized that the committee’s actions are driven by the Senate’s constitutional duties and fairness to the defendant and that tabling further proceedings would best serve those concerns.

The Kentucky Supreme Court had ruled previously that lawmakers could not continue with the proceedings due to procedural flaws and constitutional separation of powers concerns. House Republicans had accused Goodman of willfully ignoring precedent and state laws in her rulings and statements, but the court found that these allegations did not meet the threshold of a “misdemeanor in office.” Storm’s resolution challenged the Supreme Court’s decision, asserting that the power of impeachment lies solely with the legislative branch.

During the hearing, Storm stated that the Supreme Court’s opinion did not influence their decision to halt proceedings but that the JCC’s inquiry did. He said that allowing the JCC to complete its role would allow the matter to proceed in another legislative session, if necessary. The Supreme Court has acknowledged that the JCC has the constitutional authority to investigate judicial misconduct and is looking into allegations against Goodman.

Republican Senate President Robert Stivers stated that the Supreme Court decision never “entered into the situation” and that they want to see how the commission handles Goodman’s case first. Stivers noted that people were afraid to file claims in front of the JCC and that the Senate would see what the JCC does and then take action if necessary.

The resolution calls for the commission to conduct open and public proceedings concerning Goodman’s conduct. Storm’s resolution clarifies that the Senate reserves the right to resume the impeachment proceedings later and that the suspension should not be considered an acquittal.

Democratic Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong voted in favor of tabling the impeachment trial but expressed a preference for dismissing the proceedings altogether. She stated that further action would be unconstitutional, based on the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Impeachments are rare in Kentucky, with the state recently witnessing its first impeachment conviction in over a century in 2023. Former prosecutor Ronnie Goldy was ousted and later sentenced on 14 federal charges. The last time a judge was indicted was in 1916.

Former GOP Rep. Killian Timoney, who is seeking reelection this year, filed the impeachment petition against Goodman, citing six cases. Timoney stated that he did so for Tammy Botkin, who died in a 2020 hit-and-run in Lexington, and her family.