Alexandria Mayor Andy Schabell announced Saturday that he intends to run for judge/executive in Campbell County next year.
The Kentucky Secretary of State’s office and Kentucky Registry of Election Finance do not yet have record of the necessary paperwork on file for him at the time of this brief’s publication, but the announcement follows the revelation from earlier this month that Schabell would not seek reelection as Alexandria’s mayor.
“I’ve seen what happens when people come together: real progress and real results,” Schabell said in a social media video announcement. “Now I’m ready to bring that same experience to all of Campbell County.”
Schabell was elected to Alexandria’s mayoral seat first in 2018 and then again in 2022. He’d previously served three terms on Alexandria’s City Council. He will run as a Republican in the judge/executive race.
Judges/executive are the head executives of county governments and, in fact, have no judicial function, in spite of what their title may suggest. Although the judge/executive has no judicial power, they are the chair and a voting member of the county’s fiscal court. Their main responsibilities are creating a county budget and administering the budget as approved by the fiscal court, overseeing the funds, appointing county personnel, and forming relationships with organizations and industry leaders that support their county.
The judge/executive serves a four-year term and may be reelected indefinitely.
“As judge/executive, I’ll tackle our road and traffic challenges head on and make sure our growth is smart, responsible and benefits everyone,” Schabell continued in his video announcement.
The current Campbell County judge/executive is Steve Pendery, who has occupied the seat since 1999. Although Schabell said he respects Pendery, “I believe it’s time for fresh ideas, new energy and a vision that moves our county forward.”
State records indicate that Pendery has also not yet filed the necessary paperwork to run as of the time of this brief’s publication.
Haley Parnell contributed reporting to this news brief.