Laurel County, Kentucky

Laurel County Sheriff

One candidate is tracked for Laurel County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: John Root. Candidate information follows official Laurel County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Incumbent Republican John Root won the May 19, 2026 Republican primary, per the State Board of Elections' official primary recap; no Democratic or independent candidate filed for November.

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 Laurel County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, John Root, is on the ballot. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

Kentucky › Laurel County › Laurel County Sheriff

John Root

Republican Incumbent

Top priorities

Continued drug enforcement partnerships
Body camera and technology upgrades for deputies
School resource officer programs

Per the campaign site.

Biography

John Root has served as Laurel County Sheriff since 2010, per his campaign site. Before his election he began his law enforcement career with the London Police Department in 1986 and served with the Kentucky State Police from 1987 until his retirement in 2006, per the site. He is a lifelong Laurel County resident.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotLaurel County Jailer

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Laurel County Sheriff in 2026?

When is the Laurel 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 Laurel 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 Laurel County and state election office filings, last verified October 2, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

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

The rest of your Laurel County ballot

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

Also on your ballot

Laurel County Coroner Laurel County Property Valuation Administrator Laurel County Surveyor See all 33 Laurel County races

Candidate profiles

John Root, full profile Official Kentucky election office