2026 Primary Election Results Roll In Across Northeastern Kentucky

Voters across Kentucky headed to the polls Tuesday for the 2026 Primary Election, producing several closely watched races and a few surprises throughout the region.

At the statewide level, Republican Congressman Andy Barr defeated former Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mitch McConnell. Barr will face Democratic nominee Charles Booker, who defeated Amy McGrath in the Democratic primary.

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One of the biggest stories of the night came in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, where incumbent Congressman Thomas Massie was defeated by Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein. Gallrein received 57,053 votes to Massie’s 47,018. Gallrein will face Democratic nominee Melissa Claire Strange in November after she defeated Jesse Russell Brewer.

Meanwhile, longtime Congressman Hal Rogers defeated four Republican challengers with 77% of the vote.

In Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, Republican Ralph Alvarado defeated four opponents to secure the GOP nomination and will face Democrat Zach Dembo in the general election.

Incumbent State Senator Brandon Smith defeated challenger Billy Wesley in the 30th Senatorial District race with 52% of the vote.

In Bath County, Banford “Buddy” Wilson won the Republican nomination for Judge-Executive and will face Democrat Edgar “Eddie” Goodpaster in November.

For Sheriff, Republican Jonathan “Jon” Crouch defeated four candidates to win the GOP nomination, while Democrat Justin Sutherland defeated three opponents for the Democratic nomination. The two will face off in November.

Patrick Riddle won the Republican nomination for Jailer, while Johnny Ray Botts secured the Democratic nomination.

In Commissioner races, Jimmy White defeated John Willoughby in District 1, Dewayne Carpenter defeated Sammy Knell in District 2, and Johnny Brashear won the Republican nomination in District 3 and will face Democrat Travis Ginter in November.

Jimmy Perry won the Democratic nomination for District 1 Constable, while Danny “Greasy” Belcher secured the Democratic nomination for District 2 Constable.

In Carter County, Chris Huddle defeated Curt Baier for the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 1 and will face Democrat Anthony Branham in November.

Danny Joe Holbrook won the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 4 and will run unopposed in November.

Eric “Bubba” Johnson won the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 5 and will also be unopposed in the general election.

For District 1 Constable, Brian Stevens defeated two opponents to win the Republican nomination and will be unopposed in November.

In Fleming County, incumbent Sheriff Tim Smith defeated Bradley Vice with 77% of the vote and will remain unopposed in November.

Jeff Harmon won the Republican nomination for Jailer and will face Democrat Billy Dryden in the fall election.

Incumbent Coroner Winston R. Grannis defeated David Abner and will be unopposed in November.

Stephanie Hardin defeated David DeAtley for Property Valuation Administrator and will also be unopposed.

For Magistrate District 1, Dennis S. Masters and William M. Hendrix Jr. won their respective party nominations and will face each other in November.

Taylor Hunt won the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 2 and will be unopposed in the general election.

Donnie “Hotshot” Fawns won the nomination for Magistrate District 5 and will also be unopposed.

In Magistrate District 6, Rob Earlywine and Allen Ray Argo secured their party nominations and will meet in November.

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In Lewis County, George Sparks defeated Jonathan Ruggles for the office of Judge-Executive and will be unopposed in November.

Brian Keith Walker defeated Pamela May Smith with 76% of the vote in the Jailer race and will remain unopposed in the fall.

Paul Bruce Swearingen defeated Joseph McCann for Magistrate District 2 and will be unopposed.

Kathy E. Dillow won the District 3 Magistrate race and will also be unopposed.

Mark A. Horsley defeated two opponents in the District 4 Magistrate race and will remain unopposed in November.

In Menifee County, Hector Alcala defeated three candidates for the Republican nomination for Judge-Executive and will face Democrat Rick Crain in November.

For Sheriff, Republican Frankie Kidd and Democrat Roger Smallwood secured their party nominations and will meet in the general election.

Courtney “Allie” Rogers won the Democratic nomination for Jailer and will face Republican Tim “Cobb” Smith.

Ollie Whitaker defeated Paige Clark in the District 2 Magistrate race and secured both the nomination and the office.

Gerald Walton won the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 3 and will face Democrat Forrest “Bimbo” Mullins.

Rick Bair won the Democratic nomination for Magistrate District 4 and will face Republican Blake Roe.

Joe Sorrell won the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 5 and will face Democrat Ricky Peck in November.

In Morgan County, Kenneth “Kelly” Bowman defeated incumbent Judge-Executive Jimmie Gazay in the Republican primary and will face Democrat Walker Crase in November.

For Sheriff, Republican Kenneth Scarberry and Democrat John Paul Turner secured their party nominations.

Frederick Hutchinson won the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 2 and will challenge Derrick Cantrell in November.

Ray Adkins defeated Tommy Fannin in the District 3 Magistrate race and will be unopposed.

Frankie Spencer and Brandon Evans won their party nominations for Magistrate District 4 and will face off in the general election.

In Rowan County, Brian Mason defeated Tyler Brown for the Democratic nomination for County Clerk and will face Republican Kristi Bailey in November.

Richard Easton defeated Cam Flanders for the Republican nomination for Magistrate District 1 and will challenge Democrat Kevin Anderson in the fall election.

In Magistrate District 4, Republican Joshua Dale Plank and incumbent Democrat Rob Hamm secured their party nominations and will face each other in November.

For Constable District 2, Harry R. “Randy” Steele defeated Tommy Jones and will be unopposed in the general election.

Kentucky voters will now turn their attention toward the November General Election, where several closely watched regional and statewide races are expected to draw significant attention in the months ahead.