Will Moynahan

Will Moynahan began serving in the U.S. Navy in 1999. He earned a high school diploma from South Laurel High School, a bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1999, and a law degree from the George Washington University School of Law in 2013. His career experience includes working as a judge.[2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Judge Will Moynahan was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Immediately prior to his appointment, Judge Moynahan served more than a decade as a federal prosecutor – primarily working on fraud cases and going after corporations that conspired to inflate the cost of prescription drugs.

Part of a family going back six generations in Jessamine County, Judge Moynahan was raised in London, Kentucky, and graduated from South Laurel High School as valedictorian. After earning his bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University, Judge Moynahan joined the United States Navy through officer candidate school. He completed advanced flight training in Texas just after the 9/11 attack occurred and was assigned to fly the F-18 Hornet.

During his time in the fleet, Judge Moynahan flew 40 combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After completing his time on active-duty, Judge Moynahan used his GI Bill to attend law school. Following his graduation from George Washington University Law School in 2013, he clerked for a federal appeals court judge.

Judge Moynahan has remained in the Navy Reserve since 2010. At his current rank of Captain, he commands the reserve component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Five. During his time in the Navy, he has more than 300 carrier landings.

Judge Moynahan is married to Elizabeth Moynahan, a pharmacist. They have two daughters, ages 13 and 10, who attend public schools.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe every Kentuckian deserves justice no matter who you are or how much money you have. I have a pragmatic judicial philosophy grounded in the U.S. Constitution, the Kentucky Constitution, and the laws I am called upon to interpret.I have worked for or served on three separate appellate courts, over a period of nearly five years. Because of this, I have by far the most dedicated appellate court experience among the candidates in this race.Courts should rule as promptly as possible, since justice delayed is justice denied. I read every brief that is filed in each case, and I am prepared for oral arguments when they are conducted.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Courts don't make laws or advocate for public policy, but I do feel that specialty courts (mental health treatment courts, drug courts, veterans treatment court, etc.) provide a valuable service and help the community overall. They should be fully funded and expanded when possible. In my view, such courts provide better outcomes than are often possible in regular settings and save taxpayer resources in the long run.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Kentucky AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, VoteVets and the Political Women's Council