Some Candidates Have Already Made it Official

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

Several citizens in Lawrence and Johnson counties came out on open filing day Wednesday, Nov. 5, to put their names in the hat to announce their desire to run for local offices in the year 2026. Filing deadline is Jan. 9.

As of press time the following Lawrence County residents have filed for Lawrence County Judge Executive: incumbent Phillip L. Carter, Rick Blackburn, Eddie Preston and William Spradlin, all on the Republican ticket.

Lawrence County Sheriff: incumbent Chuck T. Jackson and Mark Wheeler, both on running on Republican ticket.

Lawrence County Attorney: incumbent Johnny Osborne (R)

Lawrence County Clerk: incumbent Chris Jobe (R).

Lawrence County Jailor: incumbent Roger Lee Jordan (R).

Lawrence County Magistrate District 4: Ron Boyer and Joseph Hardin, both running on Republican ticket and David York (D).

Lawrence County Magistrate District 3: David Pinson (R).

Lawrence County Magistrate: Brian Jordan—no District listed.

In Johnson County

The following citizens have filed to run in the 2026 election in Johnson County.

City of Paintsville Mayor (Nonpartisan) Jeanette Kilgore Thornbury and Andrew Kirk Preston

Johnson County Sheriff: Phillip “Scott” Hazlette (R) and Jeff Castle (R).

Johnson County Judge / Executive: Mark McKenzie (R) and Doug Saylor (R)

Johnson County Jailer: Steve Rose (R)

Johnson County Clerk: Sallee Conley Holbrook (R); Circuit Court Clerk: Hillary Chafin (R)

Constable – District 1: Tim J. Branham (R)

Johnson County Coroner: William “Billy” Taylor (R) and Jeremy Hyden (R)

Johnson County Attorney: Michael S. Endicott (R)

Johnson County Clerk: Sallee Conley Holbrook (R)

Johnson County Commissioner: District 1: Jessica Click (R)

Johnson County Commissioner: District 2: Mike “Mikey” Jarrell (R) and Nancy McKenzie Cantrell (R)

Johnson County Commissioner: District 3: Bryan S. Childers (R)

Johnson County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) Michael “Dip” Stafford (R)

School Board Member – District 4 (Nonpartisan) Willard Burton

Martin County didn’t have a list ready as of press time to submit. The Big Sandy News will update the list weekly.