LAWRENCE CO. — The local political landscape is quickly taking shape as the filing window remains open for the upcoming 2026 Lawrence County Primary Election. With the May 5, 2026, election date on the horizon, a surge of Republican and Democratic candidates have already officially submitted paperwork for various federal, state, and local offices.
Important Deadlines for Candidates
The clock is ticking for those still considering a run for office. Prospective candidates are reminded that the absolute deadline to file a declaration of candidacy for the primary nomination is Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon local time.
Information for Voters
As the primary approaches, residents are encouraged to ensure their status is current to participate in the democratic process. Key dates for the 2026 primary cycle include:
- Voter Registration Deadline: Residents must be registered to vote by April 6, 2026, to participate in the May primary.
- Early Voting Begins: For those preferring to cast their ballots ahead of time, early in-person voting starts at the Lawrence County Clerk’s office on April 7, 2026.
- Election Day: The primary polls will be open on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The upcoming weeks will be critical for both the hopefuls finalizing their campaigns and the voters preparing to head to the polls.
Below is the comprehensive list of candidates who have filed as of January 28, 2026:
Federal and State Representation
- US Representative, Ninth District: Erin Houchin (Republican), Brad A. Meyer (Democratic), and Keil L. Roark (Democratic).
- State Representative, District 065: Chris D. May (Republican).
Judicial and Law Enforcement
- Judge of the Lawrence Circuit Court, 81st Judicial Circuit: Nathan G. Nikirk (Republican).
- Judge of the Lawrence Superior Court, No. 2: Robert (Bob) Cline (Republican).
- Prosecuting Attorney of Lawrence County, 81st Judicial Circuit: Samuel C. Arp, II (Republican).
- Lawrence County Sheriff: Greg Day (Republican).
County Administration and Council
- Lawrence County Assessor: April Stapp Collins (Republican).
- Lawrence County Commissioner, District 1: Candidates include Jason Branham (Republican), Rick Butterfield (Republican), Bob Evans (Republican), and Gary Koontz (Republican).
- Lawrence County Council:
- District 1: Amy Redman (Republican), Joe Haworth (Republican)
- District 2: Chester Lee Batman (Republican), Phil Inman (Republican), and Brian Skillman (Republican).
- District 3: David Holmes (Republican) and Jeffrey Lytton (Republican)
- District 4: Larry Arnold (Republican) and Brian Prince (Republican)
Township Trustees
The following Republican candidates have filed for Township Trustee positions:
- Bono Township: Michelle L. Porter
- Guthrie Township: Jeffrey H. Combs (Republican)
- Indian Creek Township: Gary K. Scherschel (Republican)
- Marion Township: Shannon M. Lagle (Republican)
- Marshall Township: Christopher D. Noel (Republican)
- Perry Township: Carla Bomgardner (Republican)
- Pleasant Run Township: James Edsel Ford (Republican)
- Shawswick Township: Millard Jones (Republican)
- Spice Valley Township: Michelle D. Cornett (Republican)
Township Board Members
- Bono Township: Jon J. Malott (Republican), Vickie “Dusty” Tolbert (Republican)
- Guthrie Township: Bretta Myers (Republican), Tyler Thompson (Republican)
- Indian Creek Township: Bruce Reeves (Republican)
- Marion Township: Lucinda Fletcher (Republican), LaToya L. Lamm (Republican), and Henry Shetler (Republican)
- Marshall Township: Kenton James Stultz Pardue (Republican) and Joseph Stettenbenz (Republican)
- Perry Township: Alexandra Edwards (Republican) and Angela Saunders-Pedersen (Republican).
- Pleasant Run Township: Crystal A. Dooley (Republican), Paul Ford (Republican), Michael S. Nicholson (Republican), and Corbin McCullough (Republican)
- Shawswick Township: Jennie Edwards (Republican), Amy Kleber (Republican), Linda Sue Randolph (Republican), Andrew J. Rusch (Republican), and Julie Morris (Democratic)
- Spice Valley Township: David A. Kissel (Republican), Tony Lynch (Republican), Philip M. Smith (Republican)
Convention Delegates
- Brad Bough (Republican) District 1
- Chase Cummings (Republican) District 1
- Alexandra Edwards (Republican) District 1
- Robert Hall (Republican) District 2
- Henry Shetler (Republican) District 2
- Andrew J. Rusch (Republican) District 3
- Nathan Watson (Republican) District 3
- Sherri Childers (Democrat) At-Large
- Rowena Cross-Najafi (Democrat) At-Large
- Karin Lauderback (Democrat) At-Large
- Julie Morris (Democrat) At-Large
- Matthew T. Ray (Democrat) At-Large
