Jude Hehman, the current mayor of Fort Mitchell who said earlier this month he would not seek the mayoral seat again, announced his official run for the Kenton County Sheriff’s seat in 2026 on Tuesday.
“As mayor, I’ve seen firsthand how effective leadership and collaboration can transform a community,” Hehman said in a press release. “I believe it’s time to bring a modern, business-minded approach that focuses on service, responsiveness and trust.”
Candidates can’t officially file to run with Kentucky counties until November, but Hehman filed papers with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, usually seen as the first step in campaigning, on Oct. 15. The sheriff’s office is currently occupied by Chuck Korzenborn.
Hehman has served as Fort Mitchell’s mayor for 11 years and previously served on the city council for 10 years.
He’s also the founder and CEO of commercial construction company Furlong Building Enterprises, a member of the executive committee for the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kenton County Emergency Dispatch Board.
He formerly served as a member of the board of directors for BE NKY and is active as a volunteer in the community.
“The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t just enforce the law, it serves the people,” Hehman said. “That means listening, responding, and leading. I want every citizen to feel more
informed and more connected to their Sheriff’s Department… As sheriff, I’ll protect our families, defend our values and lead with accountability. I want to ensure the Sheriff’s Office is state-of-the-art, fully equipped and responsive to the needs of every Kenton County resident.”