— 2026 Hardin County Race —

Hardin County Sheriff

R Primary · Oden won Democratic · Ward (unopposed) Primary: May 19, 2026 General: November 3, 2026

✅ Willie Oden won the May 19 Republican primary (57%, over Brian Sankey) and advances to the November 3 general against John Ward (D), who was unopposed in his primary.

About this page. Hardin Local invited every filed candidate in this race to a free 20-minute on-camera interview. Order below is by ballot position. Edited videos are added as they are produced; until then, you'll find a link to the full live broadcast where applicable. Candidates who chose not to participate are still listed so you can see the full ballot.

Republican Primary

Oden vs Sankey

Willie Oden

R Ballot Position 1 · Filed Nov 7, 2025 · ✅ Won primary (57%) → Nov ballot

Interview Wed, April 29 · 3:00 PM (Election Marathon)

Edited video published.

📘 Also on Facebook → 📹 Raw marathon stream →

Brian Sankey

R Ballot Position 2 · Filed Nov 19, 2025 · ❌ Did not advance (43%)

Interview Mon, April 27 · 4:00 PM

Edited video published.

📘 Also on Facebook → 📹 Raw livestream →

Democratic Primary

Uncontested · 1 candidate

John Ward

D Filed Nov 5, 2025

📅 General-election candidate

Uncontested in the Democratic primary — automatically advances to the November general ballot.

Hardin Local plans to invite every general-election nominee to an interview later this fall, ahead of November 3, 2026.

No primary interview required because the race is uncontested on this side. Returns for general-election coverage in the fall.

What happens next

Willie Oden (R) won the May 19 primary and faces John Ward (D) in the November 3, 2026 general election. Hardin Local will revisit this race ahead of November — possibilities include a fresh general-election interview, a head-to-head debate if both nominees are interested, or a re-air of the primary interviews. Either way, voters will hear from both sides.

Other 2026 Races

U.S. Senate & State Offices PVA Magistrate (all districts) Mayor of Radcliff Radcliff City Council Mayor of Vine Grove ← Full schedule hub