J.B. Hines Announces Candidacy for Circuit Judge

Hines To Run For New Warren-Edmonson Combo 8th Circuit Seat

Judge J.B. Hines announces his candidacy for 8th Circuit Judge today alongside his wife, Shaska Hines.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
Edmonson County resident J.B. Hines, a judge in the 38th judicial district that includes Edmonson, Ohio, Butler, and Hancock Counties, announced today that he will seek the office of Circuit Judge in November, that will include Edmonson and Warren Counties. 

As a result of HB 214, recently signed into law by the Governor, Edmonson County will be leaving the 38th District and will move into the 8th Circuit with Warren County. This will take affect on January 1, 2023 and will also open a new circuit judgeship.

The announcement was made today at the Bowling Green County Club as Judge Hines addressed the audience made up of family, friends, colleagues, and media members and discussed his reasons for his decision to run for the new seat that will be available in November.

"Today, with the passage of House Bill 214, I announce my intention to withdraw my candidacy for district court judge to run for the newly created position in the 8th Circuit, to include Edmonson and Warren Counties," he said. "This will provide me an opportunity to provide greater leadership to our court system. It has been an honor to serve the Commonwealth as a district judge. I make this decision with quite a bit of reflection and respect for those citizens that have supported me in my position as district judge."

Judge J.B. Hines speaks to the crowd at his announcement today.

Judge Hines will appear on the November 2022 general election ballot in both counties.

Hines was elected as Edmonson County Attorney in 2014 and later appointed as district judge in the 38th Judicial District in 2017 by then-Governor Matt Bevin. He ran for re-election unopposed in 2018 and will finish his term at the end of this year.
 
Judge Hines is a native of Warren County and graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Government.  He completed a master’s in public administration from Western Kentucky University in 1998.  He worked for the Social Security Administration in Hazard, Kentucky prior to earning a juris doctorate from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 2003.

Judge Hines is also a certified mediator with the Institute for Americans with Disability Act Mediation, the International Center for Dispute Resolution and Administrative Office of the Courts.  He leads a Teen Court for the 38th Judicial District, and as a member of the Edmonson and Warren County communities through various civic organizations, he has been recognized as Kiwanian of the Year in Hazard, Kentucky, and a Citizen of the Year for Edmonson County.

"I pray for the grace and wisdom to be a judge," he said today. "And I ask that you to continue to support me to provide leadership to our court system, and I ask that each of you consider me for your vote in the circuit court judge race."
 
In his spare time Judge Hines is a hobbyist beekeeper and gardener and shares these interests with his wife of nearly 22 years, Shaska, who was by his side today.