(MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky.) — District Judge Jack Telle announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, bringing an end to a distinguished 24-year tenure on the bench of the 58th Judicial District.
Telle, who has served Marshall County since January 6, 2003, was first elected in 2002 after facing challenges in both the primary and general elections. He went on to win five subsequent terms without opposition.
“I am both honored and humbled that the people of my home county have entrusted me with this office over the years,” Telle said in his announcement.
During his time on the bench, Judge Telle has presided over thousands of cases spanning a wide range of legal matters, from paternity and probate to criminal proceedings. The district court’s current jurisdiction includes probate, adult disability, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, DUI and traffic matters, misdemeanor criminal cases, and preliminary felony hearings.
For nearly 23 years, Telle has maintained around-the-clock availability to respond to urgent requests for arrest warrants, search warrants, mental health petitions, bonds, and other emergency matters, taking only occasional vacations and one medical leave.
When he first announced his candidacy, Telle pledged to bring “integrity, independence and fairness” to the bench—principles he says have guided his daily work.
“As my mother would have expected, respect for each individual who has come before the court or with whom I have worked has been the foundation for my actions and decisions,” Telle reflected. “After all, cases are not files, but people.”
A Marshall County native, Telle was born, raised, and educated locally before earning his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Kentucky. He practiced law in South Carolina for five years before returning home in 1993.
Telle is married to Dr. Terri Telle, his wife of 39 years. The couple has two children: U.S. Army Major Christopher Telle, who is stationed at Fort Knox with his wife, Major Heather Telle, and their son Samuel; and daughter Sarah Telle, an attorney with Moore, Davis, Starnes and Bliss, PLLC, in Lexington.
Judge Telle expressed gratitude to Marshall County residents for their votes, encouragement, and prayers throughout his career, noting that he looks forward to sharing more words of appreciation in the months ahead.
