Sheriff, Taylor 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: Sheriff Richard "Dickie" Benningfield is not seeking re-election (Central Kentucky News-Journal). The ballot prints the Republican nominee's surname in capitals, VANCLEAVE; his campaign spells it VanCleave.

Robert "Robby" VanCleave

Republican

The gist

• Supports more resources and manpower for the sheriff's office
• Pledges every deputy at least one weekend off a month
• Pledges to keep fighting drug activity in the county
• Supports reconnecting the sheriff's office with local schools

More about Robert

View sources (1)

1. Supports more resources and manpower for the sheriff's office

   Robby VanCleave for Taylor Co. Sheriff

   Campaign website · VanCleave campaign · vancleaveforsheriff.com

   “One of the greatest needs I have seen in our department is that of resources and man power.”

2. Pledges every deputy at least one weekend off a month

   Robby VanCleave for Taylor Co. Sheriff

   Campaign website · VanCleave campaign · vancleaveforsheriff.com

   “If elected, I would provide every deputy a weekend off at least once a month (or more).”

3. Pledges to keep fighting drug activity in the county

   Robby VanCleave for Taylor Co. Sheriff

   Campaign website · VanCleave campaign · vancleaveforsheriff.com

   “My promise to you, in whatever capacity I serve, is to continue the fight against an epidemic”

4. Supports reconnecting the sheriff's office with local schools

   Robby VanCleave for Taylor Co. Sheriff

   Campaign website · VanCleave campaign · vancleaveforsheriff.com

   “I believe the greatest way we can impact our community is by reconnecting with our local schools.”

RU

Ricky Underwood

Democratic

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Ricky

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; 2 issues covered in this race.