Candidates planning or considering a run for public office during the May Primary have only a few days left to make it on the ballot.
Candidates, regardless of party affiliation, have until the close of business on Friday, January 9, to pick up, complete, and file the required paperwork in the Breathitt County Clerk's Office and online through the election portal.
As of January 6, fifty candidates have declared for the fifteen elected county positions. Some offices are guaranteed to have contested general election races as Democratic and Republican candidates have filed for several positions, including County Judge Executive, Sheriff, Coroner, and several magisterial districts.
Several Breathitt County residents have “picked up papers,” but have not completed the process.
“I believe we will have several more file before the deadline,” County Court Clerk Becky Watts said on Tuesday. “We will see on Friday.”
Candidates are urged not to wait until “the last minute” because the electronic portion that is required by the states can take some time. The office will seal the ballot at the close of business, and candidates will draw for final ballot positions on January 15, at 2:00 p.m.
The following candidates have filed to run as of Noon on Tuesday, January 6:
County Judge- Hargis Epperson, Jeff Noble, Vicie Pelfrey, Tim Spencer, and Jeremy Southwood.
County Court Clerk- Ashley Barnett, Ryan Chaney, and Della Lucas.
County Attorney- Brendon Miller.
Sheriff- John Hollan, Ray Clemons, Mike Wolfe, Ronnie Begley, Frank Thorpe, and Jeff Turner.
Jailer- Joel Gross.
Coroner- George A. Turner, Dallas Morris, Marranda Stidham, Brandi Hays-Lykins, Jamison Chase Fugate, Jason Hall, Dennis Spicer, and Arlie Howard.
Property Value Administrator- Jeff Allen, Matthew Hudson, and David Turner.
Magistrate #1- Josh Howard, Justin Hollon, Steve McIntosh, Luther Campbell, Brenda Terry, John Lester Smith, Jamon Halvaksz, and Donnie Bush.
Magistrate #2- Roy Herald, Jarvis Combs, Gran W. McIntosh, and Dickey Lee Abner.
Magistrate #3- Drewey Lovins and Jeremy Pelfrey.
Magistrate #4- Michael Prater, John Marshall, Jeremy Montgomery, and Victor Turner.
Constable #1- Michael Gross and Mackie Richerson, Sr.
Constable #2- Brent Turner.
Constable #3- Ken Thompson.
Constable #4- Doyle Turner.
The May Primary is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Two candidates have filed for the November 2026 General Election.
Mayor- Laura Thomas.
Soil Conservation District- Jarrett Hardin.
The General Election, featuring several non-partisan races, will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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