LAWRENCE COUNTY — The field for the 2026 primary election continued to expand Friday as several new Republican candidates submitted their paperwork at the Lawrence County Courthouse. According to the latest abbreviated candidate list, the final day of the week saw a surge in filings for county council and township positions.+2
The race for Lawrence County Council saw two new entrants on Jan. 9. Brian Skillman filed for the District 2 seat, creating a primary contest against Phil Inman, who filed earlier in the week. In District 4, Brian Prince officially entered the race with a Friday filing. These candidates join a field that already includes Amy Redman in District 1, as well as David Holmes and Jeffrey Lytton, who are vying for the District 3 seat.
Activity was also high for township-level offices on Friday. Gary K. Scherschel filed for Indian Creek Township Trustee. For township board positions, Michael S. Nicholson filed for Pleasant Run Township, and Tony Lynch submitted his paperwork for Spice Valley Township. Alexandra Edwards filed for two positions on Friday, seeking a seat on the Perry Township Board and a spot as a Republican State Convention Delegate for District 1.+2
These late-week additions join a variety of candidates who filed earlier for county-wide offices. April Stapp Collins is seeking the office of County Assessor, while Greg Day has filed for Lawrence County Sheriff. The judicial ballot includes Nathan G. Nikirk for Lawrence Circuit Court and Robert (Bob) Cline for Lawrence Superior Court No. 2. In the race for County Commissioner District 1, Jason Branham and Rick Butterfield both filed on the first day of the period.+4
On the state and federal level, Chris D. May filed on Jan. 8 to retain his seat as State Representative for District 065. The Democratic primary currently features Brad A. Meyer and Keil L. Roark for United States Representative, Ninth District, and Julie Morris for Shawswick Township Board and Democratic Convention Delegate.+3
The primary election is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
