Deadlines Reiterated As Local Political Season Takes Shape

With filing deadlines fast approaching, one magisterial district in Trigg County still remains without a candidate.

District 3, held by Cameron Sumner, and it’s been heavily implicated he’s not running again — but that could change.

During Monday night’s Trigg County Fiscal Court meeting, County Clerk Carmen Finley relayed to the governing body — and the community — some dates of importance for those interested in leading their constituents.

Those wishing to file in partisan races, she said, must make a decision this week.

Those interested in non-partisan or independent status have until June 2, and those opting to be “write-in” status have until August 24.

Finley urged those wishing to run, however, to remain prompt, and avoid this option if at all possible.

Those running for an opposed position in Trigg County, she said, can appear for a ballot position drawing at 2 PM Thursday, January 15 at the Clerk’s Office in downtown Cadiz.

Prospective candidates, she added, also have to always take that extra step for transparency — especially when it comes to funding.

A full list of current candidates, by position, for both Trigg and Christian counties can be found on our websites.

Trigg County filings, as of January 6, 2026

County Judge / Executive

Sam Carter — Republican Party — Filed 11/7/2025
Stan Humphries — Republican Party — Filed 11/20/2025

County Attorney

Randall Braboy — Republican Party — Filed 11/7/2025

Mayor

Mitzi Thomas-Lawson — Nonpartisan — Filed 11/5/2025
Todd King — Nonpartisan — Filed 12/30/2025

Sheriff

Aaron Acree — Republican Party — Filed 11/5/2025
Mike Sandbrink — Republican Party — Filed 11/5/2025

County Clerk

Carmen Shore Finley — Democratic Party — Filed 11/5/2025

Jailer

James E. Hughes — Republican Party — Filed 11/5/2025
Troy Belt — Republican Party — Filed 11/7/2025

Coroner

John Mark Vinson — Republican Party — Filed 12/30/2025

Magistrate / Justice of the Peace

Greg Goodwin (4th District) — Republican Party — Filed 11/5/2025
Mike S. Wright (1st District) — Republican Party — Filed 11/6/2025
Barry Littlejohn (2nd District) — Republican Party — Filed 11/10/2025
Patrick Bush (6th District) — Republican Party — Filed 11/17/2025
John “Rayme” Hopson (4th District) — Republican Party — Filed 11/19/2025
Mike Lane (7th District) — Republican Party — Filed 11/20/2025
Trey Lancaster (4th District) — Republican Party — Filed 12/29/2025
Ricky Clark (5th District) — Republican Party — Filed 1/5/2026

Constable

Earl W. Wade Sr. (7th District) — Republican Party — Filed 11/7/2024
Ray Wyatt (2nd District) — Republican Party — Filed 12/4/2025
Kerry Fowler (4th District) — Republican Party — Filed 12/19/2025
Arthur Perkins (5th District) — Democratic Party — Filed 1/5/2026
Dennis Whitten (6th District) — Republican Party — Filed 1/6/2026

School Board Member

James P. Mullen (1st District) — Nonpartisan — Filed 11/7/2025
Jamie Gapp (3rd District) — Nonpartisan — Filed 1/5/2026

Christian County filings, as of January 6, 2026

Mayor – Hopkinsville

James R. Knight Jr. — Republican Party — Filed 11/5/2025
Russ Guffey — Republican Party — Filed 11/26/2025
Sophia Natasha Francis — Republican Party — Filed 12/23/2025