County

Sheriff, Nelson County

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The sheriff's office investigates crimes, enforces traffic laws and answers calls for service, provides court security and serves court papers, and collects property taxes.

Open seat: A.J. Lewis defeated Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa in the May 2026 Democratic primary.

Candidates Compare by issue

William Jarren Culver

Republican

The gist

Opposes a sheriff's office partnership with ICE
Supports focusing enforcement on crime that matters locally
Supports officers' duty to intervene when force escalates
Supports deputy training that protects constitutional rights

More about William

View sources (1)

Opposes a sheriff's office partnership with ICE
Sheriff candidates, jailer discuss ICE
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · Feb 10, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“Culver stated he also would not agree to a partnership with ICE.”
Supports focusing enforcement on crime that matters locally
Sheriff candidates, jailer discuss ICE
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · Feb 10, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“he wants to focus on crime that matters locally”
Supports officers' duty to intervene when force escalates
Sheriff candidates, jailer discuss ICE
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · Feb 10, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“Law enforcement has that duty to intervene where things get escalated”
Supports deputy training that protects constitutional rights
Sheriff candidates, jailer discuss ICE
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · Feb 10, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“Culver emphasized his commitment to training and education, but noted they must uphold the law and protect Constitutional rights.”

Adrian "A. J." Lewis Jr.

Democratic

The gist

Proposes hiring a social worker at the sheriff's office
Supports training deputies in de-escalation and trauma-informed care
Pledges to restore trust in the sheriff's office
Opposes a sheriff's office agreement with ICE

More about Adrian

View sources (2)

Proposes hiring a social worker at the sheriff's office
Lewis trying to unseat incumbent Pineiroa for Dem sheriff nod
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · May 16, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“Lewis would like to see the NCSO hire a social worker to help county residents struggling with mental health issues”
Supports training deputies in de-escalation and trauma-informed care
Lewis trying to unseat incumbent Pineiroa for Dem sheriff nod
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · May 16, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“ensuring they are up to date on de-escalation and trauma-informed care.”
Pledges to restore trust in the sheriff's office
Lewis trying to unseat incumbent Pineiroa for Dem sheriff nod
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · May 16, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“My vision is to restore trust within both the department and the community.”
Opposes a sheriff's office agreement with ICE
Sheriff candidates, jailer discuss ICE
News coverage · The Kentucky Standard · Feb 10, 2026 · pmg-ky2.com
“said he would also not enter into any agreement with the agency”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 4 issues covered in this race.