LAWRENCE COUNTY — The race for the 2026 primary election officially kicked off Wednesday, January 7, as candidates across Lawrence County lined up to file their declarations of candidacy. As of Wednesday afternoon, a robust list of contenders has emerged for local, township, and federal offices
The following candidates filed their paperwork on the first day of the filing period:
County Offices
Competition is already heating up for several county-level positions, with multiple Republican candidates vying for key seats:
- County Commissioner, District 1: Jason Branham (R) and Rick Butterfield (R).
- County Council: Amy Redman (District 1, R), Phil Inman (District 2, R), and Jeffrey Lytton (District 3, R).
- County Sheriff: Greg Day (R).
- County Assessor: April Stapp Collins (R).
- Judge of the Circuit Court (81st Judicial Circuit): Nathan G. Nikirk (R).
Township Offices
Local township government saw several filings from both major parties:
- Township Trustees: Christopher D. Noel (Marshall Township, R) and Millard Jones (Shawswick Township, R).
- Township Board Members:
- Republican: Latoya L. Lamm (Marion), Henry Shetler (Marion), and Jennie Edwards (Shawswick).
- Democratic: Julie Morris (Shawswick).
Federal and Party Representatives
The federal stage and party delegate seats also saw early action:
- U.S. Representative, 9th District: Democrats Brad A. Meyer and Keil L. Roark have both filed for the seat.
- Convention Delegates:
- Republican (State Convention): Brad Bough (District 1), Chase Cummings (District 1), Robert Hall (District 2), and Henry Shetler (District 2).
- Democratic (At Large): Julie Morris.
The filing period continues as candidates prepare for the primary election scheduled for May 5, 2026.
