Our 2026 Candidates

JT Roby

Democratic Candidate for Nelson County Judge/Executive

JT Roby is a Bardstown native and special education teacher at Nelson County High School, running for Nelson County Judge/Executive to bring transparency, accountability, and a long-term vision to county government.

Born and raised in Bardstown, JT is the son of Jim Roby — who served on the Bardstown school board for over 30 years — and Jane Roby. He graduated from Bardstown High School in 1999, attended Transylvania University on a cross-country scholarship, and earned his degree in speech communication from Eastern Kentucky University.

His platform is built on four pillars: fiscal transparency (a "digital open gradebook" so citizens can see exactly how the budget is spent), infrastructure (including rural internet for students and farmers), smart growth (protecting farmland while concentrating industrial development), and a healthier, safer community (better first responder pay and addiction recovery support). He opposes unchecked data center development that threatens the county's water supply.

"I'm not looking for the next 4 years, I'm looking for the next 40."

JT won the Democratic primary with approximately 64% of the vote and faces incumbent Republican Tim Hutchins in the general election on November 3, 2026.

Carrie Gribbins Truitt

Democratic Candidate for Kentucky State Senate — District 14

Carrie Gribbins Truitt was raised on a small dairy and tobacco farm in Marion County, where she learned the value of hard work and community. She graduated from Marion County High School, earned her BA from the University of Kentucky in 2006, and a graduate degree from Campbellsville University in 2014.

Carrie has built her career as a nonprofit director, working with organizations including the Lexington Philharmonic, Hosparus Health, and now Leadership Kentucky. She chairs the Marion County Board of Education and founded the Marion County Education Foundation. She also volunteers with the Marion County Youth Soccer Association.

Her campaign focuses on strong, safe schools (reducing the overemphasis on standardized testing), affordable housing and food security, and accessible healthcare for all Kentuckians. She is endorsed by Teamsters Local Union No. 89, AFL-CIO, and IBEW 369.

Carrie is married to Michael and they have three children: Jackson, Samuel, and Eleanor. She won the Democratic primary with 73.4% of the vote and faces Republican Ben Mudd in the general election.

AJ Lewis

Democratic Candidate for Nelson County Sheriff

Adrian "AJ" Lewis Jr. is running for Nelson County Sheriff with over 14 years of law enforcement experience. He defeated the incumbent in the Democratic primary, earning the trust of local Democrats who want a fresh approach to community safety.

Law enforcement runs in AJ's family — his father, Ray Lewis, was a retired Bardstown Police Department officer. AJ brings both professional experience and a deep personal connection to the community he seeks to serve.

He faces Republican Jarren Culver in the general election on November 3, 2026.

JD Netherton

Democratic Candidate for KY House of Representatives — District 50

JD Netherton is a Louisville native who now calls Nelson County home. He works at Fuji Seal and is married to Raine Vittitoe. He's running to bring progressive, practical representation to Frankfort for the people of House District 50.

JD is proudly pro-choice and supports STEM education, healthcare access, and nuclear energy as part of a clean energy future. He strongly opposes AI data center development in Kentucky, citing concerns about massive water consumption and the strain on local infrastructure and resources.

He was unopposed in the Democratic primary and faces incumbent Republican Candy Massaroni in the general election on November 3, 2026.

Keith Metcalf

Democratic Candidate for Magistrate — District 1

Keith Metcalf is running for his 5th term as Magistrate for District 1, making him one of the longest-serving members of the Nelson County Fiscal Court. His experience and institutional knowledge are invaluable assets to the county.

Keith lives in New Haven and describes himself as a fiscal conservative who serves as the "voice of District One." He believes in careful, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while ensuring his district gets the services and infrastructure it needs.

He faces Republican opposition in the general election on November 3, 2026.

Cameron Richards

Democratic Candidate for Magistrate — District 3

Cameron Richards is a first-time candidate and a teacher in Nelson County who decided to step up and run for office to make a difference in his community. As an educator, he understands the importance of strong public services.

His priorities are straightforward: getting roads paved, ensuring police are properly resourced, and maintaining essential services that residents rely on every day. He believes District 3 deserves responsive, accountable representation on the Fiscal Court.

He was unopposed in the Democratic primary and faces Republicans David Lee Call and M.T. Harned in the general election on November 3, 2026.

Frankie Cambron

Democratic Candidate for Magistrate — District 4

Frankie Cambron has lived in Cox Creek his entire life — nearly 70 years — and has deep roots in Nelson County. After his wife passed away 11 years ago, he continued to be an active community member, serving on the election board for 8 years before deciding to run for office for the first time.

Frankie's number one campaign issue is the whiskey fungus (Baudoinia compniacensis) — the black mold that grows on homes and property near bourbon warehouses. He's heard from countless neighbors who are dealing with this problem and wants to hold distilleries accountable for cleaning up the mess they create.

He's a fiscal conservative who believes in responsible spending and transparent government. He faces Republicans Don Thrasher and Brent Brey in the general election on November 3, 2026.