In 2026 primary elections across Kentucky, an unusually high number of incumbent county judge-executives - the highest elected office at the county level - lost their primary elections, including in Campbell County where Republican incumbent Steve Pendery lost to Andrew 'Andy' Schabell by 183 votes. This trend reflects voter dissatisfaction with sitting officials and a desire for change in local leadership.
How should voters approach the increasing turnover of county judge-executives in primary elections?
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In all, 18 incumbent judge-executives lost in primary elections in both Democratic and Republican primaries: Adair, Bell, Boone, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Calloway, Campbell, Estill, Fulton, Green, Henderson, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Madison, Monroe and Morgan counties.
Campbell County — GOP Primary: Andrew 'Andy' SCHABELL REP 6,008 51% Steve PENDERY REP 5,825 49%
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Vote out all longtime county judge-executives to bring fresh perspectives and break established power structures
Support competitive primaries with strong challengers to keep elected officials accountable
Evaluate each race individually based on candidates' qualifications and positions
Generally re-elect experienced county judge-executives who understand local governance
Strongly support longtime county judge-executives to maintain stability and institutional knowledge
National endorsements in Kentucky elections
The 2026 Kentucky primaries tested the reach of President Trump's endorsements, with his support for Representative Andy Barr in the Senate primary proving influential. This raises questions about the role of national political figures in local Kentucky elections and how much weight voters should give to these endorsements.
How should Kentucky voters approach President Trump's endorsements in state and local elections?
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The primaries also tested the reach of President Trump's endorsements... Republican Representative Andy Barr won President Trump's endorsement and won the May 19th primary against former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Reject President Trump's endorsements in Kentucky elections as harmful to local democratic processes
Consider President Trump's endorsements but evaluate Kentucky candidates independently based on their merits
Neither seek nor avoid President Trump's endorsement in Kentucky political races
Consider President Trump's endorsements as one factor among many when evaluating Kentucky candidates
Actively seek and support President Trump's endorsements for Kentucky candidates as valuable political guidance
County judge-executive leadership change
Campbell County's highest elected office is changing hands. In the May 2026 Republican primary, Andrew "Andy" Schabell defeated incumbent Judge-Executive Steve Pendery 51% to 49% (6,008 to 5,825 votes), according to Kentucky Lantern's results roundup. The upset was part of an unusual statewide wave in which 18 incumbent judge-executives lost primaries, held alongside expensive contests for the 4th Congressional District in Northern Kentucky and the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell. The result sets up new leadership for the county's budget, fiscal court, and development agenda.
What should Campbell County's next judge-executive make the top priority for county government?
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Campbell County — GOP Primary: Andrew "Andy" SCHABELL REP 6,008 51% Steve PENDERY REP 5,825 49% ... In all, 18 incumbent judge-executives lost in primary elections.
Use county government actively to expand public services, affordable housing support, and transit investment.
Increase spending on infrastructure, parks, and community services, accepting modest tax increases to pay for them.
Pursue steady, balanced management that keeps taxes stable while maintaining core county services.
Emphasize fiscal restraint, limiting new spending and focusing on roads, public safety, and basic administration.
Shrink county government, cut taxes, and shift more services to private providers and volunteers.
U.S. Senate race to succeed Mitch McConnell
Mitch McConnell's retirement after more than four decades has opened Kentucky's U.S. Senate seat. Rep. Andy Barr, endorsed by President Trump, won the May 19 Republican primary over former Attorney General Daniel Cameron, while Democrats nominated former state Rep. Charles Booker. The Cook Political Report rates the race Solid Republican, and Barr holds a fundraising advantage. Campbell County voters will cast ballots in this contest alongside the contentious 4th Congressional District race and local primaries that Kentucky Lantern described as expensive and hard-fought.
Which approach should guide your vote for Kentucky's open U.S. Senate seat?
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Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Senate Majority Leader, announced his retirement after more than four decades representing Kentucky. Republican Representative Andy Barr won President Trump's endorsement ... Democrats nominated former State Representative Charles Booker ... Cook rates the race Solid Republican.
Kentuckians voted for local elected officials in primary elections alongside other expensive and contentious races in the 4th Congressional District in Northern Kentucky and the U.S. Senate race to fill U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Vote for Democrat Charles Booker to bring a progressive voice on healthcare, wages, and civil rights to the Senate.
Support Charles Booker mainly to give Democrats a check on President Trump and the Republican Congress.
Weigh both candidates' character and local priorities rather than voting a straight party line.
Vote for Republican Andy Barr to keep the seat conservative and support the Trump agenda in the Senate.
Support Andy Barr but expect him to govern as a more aggressively conservative fighter than McConnell was.