Eddie Preston, William Spradlin, Rick Blackburn and Phillip Carter
LOUISA, Ky.– Four candidates for judge executive and two for sheriff all on the GOP party ticket will make for a dooousy of a Primary Election 2026 on May 19 – and this is the first day of signups.
Statewide and national candidates will also be on the ballot in ’26.
Incumbent Phillip Carter, who is serving his third term and seeking a fourth, will face opposition in his party by Louisa Fire Chief Eddie Preston, Louisa businessman William Spradlin and three term Dist. 4 magistrate Rick Blackburn — so far.
Prospective candidates for county offices have until Jan. 9, 2026 which is the deadline for filing to register.
Chuck Jackson and Mark Wheeler
Former Chief Deputy Mark Wheeler, who ran eight years ago and was narrowly defeated by incumbent LC Sheriff Chuck Jackson, has signed up to run after serving on the staff of the Boyd Co. Sheriff since the last election. Jackson had no opposition four years ago in the General election. Wheeler ran as a Democrat last time but has since changed to Republican, Lawrence County Clerk Chris Jobe said today.
Today, November 5, 2025 is the earliest date for the affixing of signatures on candidate filing forms for an office on the ballot in 2026 (not prior to the first Wednesday after the first Monday in November of the year preceding the year the office will appear on the ballot).
Another race is shaping up in the GOP ranks as Brian Jordan, of Martha, is challenging incumbent Dave Pinson of Richardson for the 3rd district magistrate seat.
Jobe said no Democrat has signed up to run in Lawrence County, yet.
The information shall include: the candidate’s name, title of office sought, the district number of the office sought (if applicable), his or her email address or post office box address, political party (if partisan), and the date of receiving his or her nomination papers.
- This information shall be prominently displayed on the Secretary of State’s official website as well as the County Clerk’s official website.
Also signing up today were incumbents Chris Jobe seeking his seventh term as County Clerk and County Attorney Johnny Osborne will be seeking his second four year stint.
