Hardin County, Kentucky

Hardin County Sheriff

2 candidates are tracked for Hardin County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Willie Oden and John Ward. Candidate information follows official Hardin County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Willie Oden (Republican), John Ward (Democratic) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Hardin County Sheriff, per the Hardin County Clerk's official current local candidates report (hccoky.org, read September 8, 2026).

What this office does

Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.

This race. Every voter in Hardin County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, John Ward, is on the ballot.

Kentucky › Hardin County › Hardin County Sheriff

Willie Oden

Republican

Top priorities

Build stronger partnerships between law enforcement and the community
Make the Sheriff's Office more transparent, accessible and responsive
Support crime victims and start a Sheriff's Explorers youth mentorship program

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Willie Oden is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major who served as a heavy-wheeled vehicle mechanic and Military Police officer, per his campaign site. He has lived in Hardin County for 27 years and is an active member of the Elizabethtown Lions Club, per his campaign site. Sankey, per the county's official primary results.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

John Ward

Democratic Incumbent

Top priorities

Community partnership and crime prevention programs
School resource officer support in Hardin County Schools
The Kentucky Sheriffs' Boys and Girls Ranch program

Per the campaign site.

Biography

John Ward is the sitting Hardin County Sheriff, serving since 2015 after being first elected in 2014, per his campaign site. A graduate of East Hardin High School, he joined the Kentucky State Police in 1986 and rose to the rank of captain, holding roles including post commander and internal affairs branch commander, per the site. He serves on the National Sheriffs' Association Board of Directors and is a past president of the Kentucky Sheriffs' Association.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotHardin County Jailer

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Hardin County Sheriff in 2026?

When is the Hardin County Sheriff election in Kentucky?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Kentucky are on the Kentucky election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Hardin County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Hardin County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Kentucky election office, or see the full Hardin County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Hardin County ballot

34 tracked races in Hardin County, Kentucky. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Hardin County Coroner Hardin County Surveyor Hardin County Magistrate, District 1 See all 34 Hardin County races

Candidate profiles

Willie Oden, full profile John Ward, full profile Official Kentucky election office