While still early in the process, 14 candidates have filed to run for office in the 2026 election in Grayson County, 13 of which are incumbents.
The first day to file candidacy paperwork with the Grayson County Clerk’s Office was November 5, 2025. The final day to file candidacy papers is January 9, 2026.
Candidate filings, according to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office
In the non-partisan, six-seat Leitchfield City Council race, incumbents George Hack and James Clayton Miller have filed.
Seven candidates, all Republicans, have filed to run for the six-seat Grayson County Magisterial race: Incumbents Charles Neal Saltsman, Brian Ashley, Phillip Darin Whitely, Brenda Huffman, Ben Hodges, and Jason Dennis, along with new candidate Dustin King.
Only newly installed interim County Clerk Tonya Kessinger, a Republican, has filed to run for that office next year.
Incumbents, Jailer Jason Woosley, Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson, Coroner Kevin Pharis, and PVA Ernie Perkins, all Republicans, are the only candidates to so far file to run for their respective offices.
In an ironic twist, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Sonny Poteet and Clarkson Police Chief Buck Meredith, who are both actively campaigning for the office of sheriff, have not yet officially filed candidacy papers, according to the Grayson County Clerk’s Office and Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.
The 2026 Primary Election is scheduled for May 19, while the General Election is slated for November 3.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
