BEDFORD – The Lawrence County primary field is now fully detailed following the release of the January 12 candidate list. With several offices drawing multiple challengers, the May 5 primary is set to be a significant day for local voters.
Key Contested Races
While many incumbents are running unopposed, several Republican primaries have emerged:
- County Commissioner (District 1): A head-to-head race has formed between Jason Branham and Rick Butterfield.
- County Council (District 2): Phil Inman and Brian Skillman will compete for the Republican nomination.
- County Council (District 3): David Holmes and Jeffrey Lytton have both filed as Republican candidates.
- U.S. Representative (9th District): On the Democratic ballot, Brad A. Meyer and Keil L. Roark are vying for the congressional seat.
Judicial and Law Enforcement Candidates
The Republican party has a full slate of candidates for the county’s legal and safety pillars:
- Prosecuting Attorney (81st Judicial Circuit): Samuel C. Arp, II.
- Judge of the Lawrence Circuit Court: Nathan G. Nikirk.
- Judge of the Lawrence Superior Court, No. 2: Robert (Bob) Cline.
- County Sheriff: Greg Day.
Township and Administrative Offices
Administrative and township roles see a strong Republican presence, with one Democratic challenger in Shawswick:
- State Representative (District 065): Chris D. May (R).
- County Assessor: April Stapp Collins (R).
- Township Trustees (All Republican): Michelle L. Porter (Bono), Gary K. Scherschel (Indian Creek), Christopher D. Noel (Marshall), Carla Bomgardner (Perry), James Edsel Ford (Pleasant Run), and Millard Jones (Shawswick).
- Township Board Members:
- Republican: Latoya L. Lamm, Henry Shetler, Alexandra Edwards, Angela Saunders-Pedersen, Crystal A. Dooley, Paul Ford, Michael S. Nicholson, Jennie Edwards, Andrew J. Rusch, David A. Kissel, and Tony Lynch.
- Democratic: Julie Morris (Shawswick).
State Convention Delegates
The primary will also determine who represents the local parties at their respective state conventions.
- Republican Delegates: Brad Bough, Chase Cummings, and Alexandra Edwards (District 1); Robert Hall and Henry Shetler (District 2); Andrew J. Rusch and Nathan Emmett Watson (District 3).
- Democratic Delegate: Julie Morris (At Large).
