More than 860,000 people across Kentucky went to the polls, voted early, or voted absentee for Tuesday’s primary election, setting the ballot for the general election this fall.
“We had over 15,000 people vote during this election, and nearly 12,000 of them voted today,” said Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith Tuesday. “We are excited to see an increase in turnout. While that’s only about 18.5 percent of our registered voters, that is significantly higher than we’ve had in the last two primary cycles, so we’re appreciative of our poll workers, we’re appreciative of our voters who showed up, and we wish the best to all the candidates.”
In Hardin County, Willie Oden defeated Brian C. Sankey in the Republican primary for sheriff, Casey Overstreet won the Republican primary for property valuation administrator, and incumbent magistrates Fred Clem Jr., Aaron Pennington, Larry Hicks, and Kenny Muse won their respective Republican primaries, with Muse defeating Jon Breeding in the Eighth District race by just two votes. William Jason Buckles won the Republican primary for Sixth District magistrate, Toshie Murrell and Terry Owens won the primary for Radcliff mayor, and Pamela Ogden and Selena Hudson won the primary for Vine Grove mayor.
In Breckinridge County, incumbent Judge/Executive Maurice Lucas was defeated by Shane Beavin in the Republican primary 1,627 to 1,360, with Kevin Drane collecting 998 votes. Other races in Breckinridge County saw incumbent Sheriff Billy Richardson defeat former sheriff Todd Pate 2,336 to 1,804 in the Republican primary.
In Grayson County, Tonya Kessinger defeated Stephanie Brooks in the Republican primary for county clerk 2,736 to 2,079. A measure permitting the sale of alcohol at golf courses was approved 119 to 79, while a measure approving the sale of alcohol in Clarkson city limits failed 105 to 87.
In Meade County, incumbent Judge/Executive Troy Kok won the Republican primary over Daniel Weick 1,849 to 1,147. Incumbent Sheriff Phillip Wimpee defeated Bric Pace in the Republican primary 1,998 to 1,059. Incumbent Jailer J.J. Scarborough defeated Stephen Gibbs in the Republican primary 1,374 to 1,060.
In LaRue County, incumbent Judge/Executive Blake Durrett won the four-person Republican primary with 1,412 votes, with Farrah Pruitt placing second with 422. Incumbent sheriff Brian Smith won the Republican primary over Kevin Bennett 1,455 to 1,015.
On the statewide level, Andy Barr defeated Daniel Cameron for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senator 287,703 to 144,548. Charles Booker won the Democratic nomination in that race after defeating Amy McGrath 155,487 to 119,234.
You can find complete election results at govote.ky.gov.