Stephen Hoffman

For more than three decades, Stephen L.J. Hoffman’s work as a Kenton County magistrate has largely revolved around one particular part of the job: marrying people.

Hoffman, a Democrat, first became a Kenton County magistrate in 1989, when then-Gov. Wallace Wilkinson appointed him to fill an unexpired term. He served until 2002 before returning to the position in December 2011, when then-Gov. Steve Beshear appointed him to complete another unexpired term. He has since won additional elections to the office.

“I worked hard at my new position,” Hoffman told LINK nky. “Most people did not take this position seriously. I decided it was time to make this office one where people could rely on and one with respect”

An Erlanger native, Hoffman grew up as one of 14 children and attended St. Henry High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1976 before attending Northern Kentucky University, where he participated in ROTC and received a commission as a second lieutenant.

His interest in politics started early. Hoffman ran unsuccessfully for the Kentucky General Assembly in 1985 and 1987, when he was in his 20s, before becoming a magistrate several years later.

Hoffman has also been involved in a range of community organizations. He served as an assistant varsity soccer coach at St. Henry from 1980 to 1993 and has participated in the Kenton County Jaycees and scouting organizations.

Performing marriages has become the defining part of his time as magistrate.

Hoffman said he has officiated weddings since taking office in 1989. He maintains an office in Covington where he meets with couples, performs ceremonies and handles the accompanying paperwork.

Marriage equality and ensuring marriages are performed legally remain his primary concerns heading into another election. Hoffman said he does not receive a county paycheck for his work as magistrate and pays the expenses associated with his office himself. According to his professional website, Hoffman charges fees for officiating wedding ceremonies, including those performed at his Covington office.