Majority Decision made in Primary Election of who is Seated Next Year

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

The 2026 Primary Election in Lawrence County in many ways has been like no other in the county in a few different ways.

This year the ballot was overrun with Republicans dominating making the decision pretty much final in each position before the November General Election.

Lawrence County will have an entirely new fiscal court seated with the exception of Rick Blackburn, who is not new to the fiscal court however, he will no longer be serving as Magistrate of District 4, but as the new Lawrence County Judge-Executive.

Blackburn won the election by a narrow margin of 983 votes over incumbent Phillip L. Carter who received 917 votes.

Blackburn, who is currently working for the LC Board of Education in Transportation said he will retire from that position to give full attention to the county.

“I will be resigning from my transportation position around Christmas Break 2026. I have already spoken with Mrs. Katie Webb, (LC Superintendent) and she is aware that I will be leaving at Christmas Break,” said Blackburn. “Serving as the director of transportation has been an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support our students, staff, and community through that role.

Blackburn said his first goals are to continue working closely with the current administration as Magistrate while building on projects already underway.

“My initial priorities will include focusing on the county budget, improving road plans and infrastructure, evaluating economic development opportunities and team partnerships, supporting youth initiatives, and addressing the changing needs of the community as they arise.”

Blackburn addressed working with an entirely new court and said he will miss his current constituents. “I will miss working with my current Fiscal Court because we have built strong working relationships together,” said Blackburn. “However, this is the second time I will have the opportunity to work with an entirely new Fiscal Court, and I look forward to the fresh perspectives and new ideas they will bring to serving our community.”

When asked if there would be any changes in staff Blackburn said he will be meeting with all departments before any decisions are made.

“Teamwork is very important to me, and I believe everyone deserves a voice and to be heard. I will be meeting with all departments and teams to listen, learn, and see where we will go from there. My goal is to build a positive team environment where we work together for the betterment of Lawrence County and continue moving our community forward,” said Blackburn.

“I want to sincerely thank the voters for placing their trust and confidence in me. I promise to lead with transparency, faith, and integrity while always putting the needs of the community first. I will work hard to listen to citizens, collaborate with others, and continue moving Lawrence County forward in a positive direction.”

In a message to the county current Judge-Executive Carter expressed his feelings saying the loss caused him to have a heavy heart as serving the county brought him much joy.

“Although I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life, my love for Lawrence County and for each of you will never change,” said Judge Carter. “Congratulations to Rick Blackburn on his well-fought victory. I look forward to working with him over the six months to provide for the needs of the county and to making the transition into his administration a smooth one. The county is in good hands for the next four years.”

The sheriff’s race was also proving to be a first.

Never before has only one incumbent prevailed on a ballot in local elections.

In Lawrence County, Jackson was the only name on the ballot who won another term.

He ran a strong race against his opponent Mark Wheeler both running on Republican ticket with Jackson receiving 1638 against Wheeler’s 854 votes.

Winning in the magistrate races in the primary election are Magistrate District 1, Josh Trout-R 501 votes; Magistrate District 2, Allan Scaggs-R 297 votes; Magistrate District 3, Brian Jordan-R 296 votes; Magistrate District 4, Todd Moran-R 311 votes who will be running against David York-D in the fall election.

The Coroner race was confusing for some as it was announced Sam Muncy received 100% of the votes. Some who said they voted for his opponent did not understand when they voted for Jimmy Castle the he had dropped out of the race due to a medical condition after the ballots had been printed.

Muncy will be going up against Melissa Moore-D in the General election.

Statewide winners are US Senators Andy Barr-R, Amy McGrath-D and US Representative in Congress 5th District Hal Rogers.