Voters check in during the delayed 2020 primary election at Barren County High School’s gymnasium on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The election was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. — A handful of incumbents and several newcomers have filed their candidacy papers ahead of the 2022 primary election.
The first day to file candidacy papers in Kentucky was Nov. 3. Several filed their papers in the Barren County Clerk’s Office last week.
Five incumbents have refiled thus far. All are county government offices.
Kathryn Thomas refiled to keep her position as Barren County Attorney. She filed as a Democrat.
Kent Keen refiled to remain as Barren County Sheriff. He filed as a Democrat.
Kimberly P. Shipley completed candidacy papers to remain as Barren County’s Property Valuation Administrator. She filed as a Republican.
Aaron Bennett refiled as Barren County Jailer. He filed as a Republican.
Helena C. Birdwell refiled to keep her position as Barren County Clerk. She filed as a Republican.
Newcomers this election cycle include some who have held offices before and others who’ve placed their names in local races.
Mike Richardson filed to run on the Republican ticket as Barren County Attorney. Richardson lost to Thomas in the 2018 General Election. The final was Thomas’ 7,764 votes to Richardson’s 7,265 votes.
Chris Eaton, former Barren County Sheriff, filed as a Democratic candidate for Barren County Magistrate District Four. Tim Coomer (R) is the incumbent for the district, which covers the northeastern portion of Barren County. Hiseville is in the district.
Jesse Muse filed as a Republican candidate for Barren County Magistrate District Two. Trent Riddle (D) is the incumbent for the district, which covers southwestern Barren County. Lucas is in the district.
Jamie B. Byrd filed as a Republican candidate for Barren County Judge Executive. Micheal Hale (D) is the incumbent.
Aaron Shirley filed as a Republican candidate for Barren County Jailer. He formerly ran against incumbent Aaron Bennett in the 2018 primary election. The final vote tabulation placed Shirley behind Bennett with a final vote of 1,671 to 1,071.
Ronnie Stinson filed Thursday as a Democratic candidate for Barren County Magistrate District Six. Kenneth Sartin (R) is the incumbent. The district covers northwestern Barren County, which includes Cave City.
Charles Bunch filed as a Republican candidate for Barren County Sheriff. Kent Keen (D) is the incumbent. He ran uncontested in both 2018 elections.
Chris Pulley filed Friday as a Republican candidate for Barren County Jailer. He is the third candidate to file for the jailer’s race, including the incumbent.
Additional filing updates will be available at WCLURadio.com in the coming days. The filing deadline is Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
