John Root
Sheriff, Laurel · Republican · Kentucky
Where they are running
Where they stand
Drug enforcement: Root prioritizes aggressive enforcement and partnerships to combat Laurel County's drug crisis.
Tax system: Root modernized the county tax collection process to make transactions faster and more efficient.
Law enforcement equipment: Root equips sheriff's deputies with advanced firearms, vehicles, and other tools funded through drug seizure money rather than taxpayer funds.
In the news
Laurel County sheriff reacts to federal investigation request into 2024 police shooting death of Doug Harless (wtvq.com, Feb 24, 2026)
FBI investigating London Police Department, Sheriff John Root confirms (lex18.com, Feb 4, 2026)