Kenny Kavanaugh, Jr.
Candidate for Sheriff, Clark County
Background
- Occupation
- Jeffersonville Police Department patrol commander
- Campaign website
- kavanaughforsheriff.com
A Jeffersonville police officer since 1994, he was the department’s chief from 2015 until August 2025 and is now a second-shift patrol commander. He started in the Clark County jail in 1993 and defeated Sheriff Scottie Maples in the 2026 Republican primary.
Documented positions
Public safety
Proposes reorganizing and streamlining the sheriff’s department
He said he would survey the department’s personnel and try to streamline the process.
ReportRepublican incumbent faces challenger in Clark County sheriff primaryNews coverage · News and Tribune · Apr 17, 2026 · newsandtribune.com
“Kavanaugh said that one of the aspects he would immediately look at is the organization of the department.”
Supports “21st century” and intelligence-led policing
He described intelligence-led policing as using crime data and technology to take the randomness out of policing.
ReportRepublican incumbent faces challenger in Clark County sheriff primaryNews coverage · News and Tribune · Apr 17, 2026 · newsandtribune.com
“Kavanaugh also said he wants to implement “21st century policing” into the sheriff’s department.”
Government & transparency
Pledges open public meetings of the police merit commission
ReportRepublican incumbent faces challenger in Clark County sheriff primaryNews coverage · News and Tribune · Apr 17, 2026 · newsandtribune.com
“He said this includes being open and transparent with the public through meetings.”
Courts & justice
Proposes more jail programming to reduce recidivism
ReportRepublican incumbent faces challenger in Clark County sheriff primaryNews coverage · News and Tribune · Apr 17, 2026 · newsandtribune.com
“he is interested at what level of programming can be introduced to the inmates to start to affect recidivism”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Kenny Kavanaugh, Jr. on them.
- Health & human servicesNo documented position found.
All sources (6)
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election (Clark County offices and districts)
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Kavanaugh for Sheriff
Campaign website · Kavanaugh for Sheriff · kavanaughforsheriff.com
- About Kenny Kavanaugh
Campaign website · Kavanaugh for Sheriff · kavanaughforsheriff.com
- Kavanaugh defeats incumbent Maples in Clark County sheriff primary; Deeringer gets Democratic nod
News coverage · News and Tribune · May 5, 2026 · newsandtribune.com
- Republican incumbent faces challenger in Clark County sheriff primary
News coverage · News and Tribune · Apr 17, 2026 · newsandtribune.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.