County

County Judge/Executive, Woodford County

Vote for: 1
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The county judge/executive heads the county's executive branch and sits on the fiscal court, the county's governing body, which passes county ordinances and the budget.

Candidates Compare by issue

Michael Duckworth

Republican

Retired extension agent and commercial loan officer

The gist

Proposes reducing the county payroll tax
Supports development only where infrastructure can support growth
Proposes replacing undersized culverts and upgrading bridges
Proposes tax holidays for new agricultural businesses

More about Michael

View sources (1)

Proposes reducing the county payroll tax
Michael's Plan for Woodford County
Campaign website · Michael Duckworth Campaign · duckworthforwoodford.com
“Reduce the county payroll tax.”
Supports development only where infrastructure can support growth
Michael's Plan for Woodford County
Campaign website · Michael Duckworth Campaign · duckworthforwoodford.com
“Approve development only where roads, utilities, and public services can support growth.”
Proposes replacing undersized culverts and upgrading bridges
Michael's Plan for Woodford County
Campaign website · Michael Duckworth Campaign · duckworthforwoodford.com
“Improve road drainage by replacing undersized culverts and upgrading bridges.”
Proposes tax holidays for new agricultural businesses
Michael's Plan for Woodford County
Campaign website · Michael Duckworth Campaign · duckworthforwoodford.com
“Support new agricultural businesses through payroll tax and net profits tax holidays.”

James Kay

DemocraticIncumbent

Woodford County judge/executive; attorney

The gist

Supports continued county tax cuts through tight budgeting
Pledges to preserve farmland amid data center pressure
Supports pursuing state grants for county infrastructure
Supports county help with utility bills, housing and evictions

More about James

View sources (1)

Supports continued county tax cuts through tight budgeting
James's Top Issues
Campaign website · James Kay for Woodford County Judge/Executive · judgejameskay.com
“cutting county taxes year after year through strong fiscal management and responsible budgeting”
Pledges to preserve farmland amid data center pressure
James's Top Issues
Campaign website · James Kay for Woodford County Judge/Executive · judgejameskay.com
“As the rise of A.I. data centers and other development pressures grows, James remains committed to preserving our land”
Supports pursuing state grants for county infrastructure
James's Top Issues
Campaign website · James Kay for Woodford County Judge/Executive · judgejameskay.com
“By aggressively pursuing state grants, James has brought millions of dollars back to Woodford County”
Supports county help with utility bills, housing and evictions
James's Top Issues
Campaign website · James Kay for Woodford County Judge/Executive · judgejameskay.com
“Whether it's help with utility bills, housing assistance, legal resources, or preventing evictions”

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; 6 issues covered in this race.