Paul W. Rister
Candidate for County Judge/Executive, Calloway County
Background
- Occupation
- Calloway County District 4 magistrate
He has been Calloway County's District 4 magistrate since first being elected in 2018. He won the May 2026 Republican primary for judge/executive over incumbent Kenny Imes.
Photo: Calloway County Fiscal Court
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Supports managing existing county funds before raising taxes
ReportPrimary candidates answer questions from the Ledger & TimesCandidate questionnaire · Murray Ledger & Times · May 7, 2026 · murrayledger.com
“Every issue the county faces comes back to financial stewardship. That doesn't begin with raising taxes.”
Public safety
Supports work release and ankle monitors to cut jail costs
He said jail revenue rose 2% over the last decade while operating costs rose 56%, and that the county should keep pressing the state for better reimbursement.
ReportPrimary candidates answer questions from the Ledger & TimesCandidate questionnaire · Murray Ledger & Times · May 7, 2026 · murrayledger.com
“expanding work release, using education and job training programs, reducing recidivism, and working with the courts to allow ankle monitors for low-risk inmates”
Roads & infrastructure
Supports ranking road work by traffic and condition data
ReportPrimary candidates answer questions from the Ledger & TimesCandidate questionnaire · Murray Ledger & Times · May 7, 2026 · murrayledger.com
“using traffic counts, road condition rankings, and documented need to guide priorities”
Government & transparency
Proposes phased stabilization and restoration of the historic courthouse
He would bring architects, preservation experts, department heads and citizens together and pay for the work with preservation grants, tax credits and phased capital planning.
ReportPrimary candidates answer questions from the Ledger & TimesCandidate questionnaire · Murray Ledger & Times · May 7, 2026 · murrayledger.com
“The work should be phased: first stabilize the roof, water intrusion, masonry, and utilities; then update cost estimates”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Paul W. Rister on them.
- Economy & jobsNo documented position found.
All sources (5)
- Calloway County Sample Ballot, General Election, November 3, 2026 (composite ballot published under KRS 424.290)
Election filing · Calloway County Clerk · callowaycoclerkky.gov
- Elected Officials, Calloway County, Kentucky
Government record · Calloway County Fiscal Court · callowaycountyky.gov
- Rister wins Republican primary for judge-executive
News coverage · Murray Ledger & Times · May 19, 2026 · murrayledger.com
- Fiscal Court committee weighs options on data centers
News coverage · Murray Ledger & Times · Jun 16, 2026 · murrayledger.com
- Primary candidates answer questions from the Ledger & Times
Candidate questionnaire · Murray Ledger & Times · May 7, 2026 · murrayledger.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.