BEDFORD — As the filing window for the 2026 Primary Election continues, several local and state candidates have officially submitted their paperwork to appear on the May 5 ballot. The current list of candidates for Lawrence County includes incumbents and new challengers across federal, state, and local offices.
Among the notable filings, Erin Houchin (Republican) has filed for reelection as United States Representative for the Ninth District. On the Democratic side, Brad A. Meyer and Keil L. Roark have both filed for the same congressional seat.
At the state level, Chris D. May (Republican) is seeking reelection as State Representative for District 065.
Local judicial and law enforcement races are also taking shape, with Nathan G. Nikirk filing for Judge of the Lawrence Circuit Court, Robert (Bob) Cline filing for Lawrence Superior Court II, Greg Day for Lawrence County Sheriff, Samuel C. Arp II, has officially filing for Prosecuting Attorney, and April Stapp Collins filing for Lawrence County Assessor.
Full Candidate Listing (as of January 14, 2026)
Federal and State Offices
- US Representative, Ninth District:
- Erin Houchin (Republican)
- Brad A. Meyer (Democratic)
- Keil L. Roark (Democratic)
- State Representative, District 065:
- Chris D. May (Republican) — Filed 1/8/2026
Judicial and Law Enforcement
- Judge of the Lawrence Circuit Court, 81st Judicial Circuit:
- Nathan G. Nikirk (Republican)
- Judge of the Lawrence Superior Court II:
- 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
- Lawrence County Assessor:
- April Stapp Collins (Republican)
- Lawrence County Commissioner, District 1:
- Jason Branham (Republican)
- Rick Butterfield (Republican)
- Lawrence County Council:
- District 1: Amy Redman (Republican)
- District 2: Phil Inman (Republican)
- District 2: Brian Skillman (Republican)
- District 3: David Holmes (Republican)
- District 3: Jeffrey Lytton (Republican)
- District 4: Brian Prince (Republican)
Township Trustee Offices
- Bono Township: Michelle L. Porter (Republican) — Filed 1/8/2026
- Indian Creek Township: Gary K. Scherschel (Republican) — Filed 1/9/2026
- Marshall Township: Christopher D. Noel(Republican) — Filed 1/7/2026
- Perry Township: Carla Bomgardner (Republican) — Filed 1/8/2026
- Pleasant Run Township: James Edsel Ford (Republican) — Filed 1/8/2026
- Shawswick Township: Millard Jones (Republican) — Filed 1/7/2026
Township Board Members
- Marion Township:
- Latoya Lamm (Republican)
- Henry Shetler (Republican)
- Marshall Township: Kenton James Stultz Pardue (Republican)
- Perry Township:
- Alexandra Edwards (Republican)
- Angela Saunders-Pedersen (Republican)
- Pleasant Run Township:
- Crystal A. Dooley (Republican)
- Paul Ford (Republican)
- Michael S Nicholson (Republican)
- Shawswick Township:
- Julie Morris (Democratic)
- Jennie Edwards (Republican)
- Amy Kleber (Republican)
- Andrew J. Rusch (Republican)
Convention Delegates
- Republican State Convention Delegates:
- District 1: Brad Bough
- District 1: Chase Cummings
- District 1: Alexandra Edwards
- District 2: Robert Hall
- District 2: Henry Shetler
- District 3: Andrew J. Rusch
- District 3: Nathan Watson
- Democratic Convention Delegates (At Large):
- Sherri Childers
- Karin Lauderback
- Julie Morris
The primary election is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
