The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run for local government office in Fayette County next year is January 9, 2026, at 4 pm local time.
Potential candidates for mayor or the Urban County Council have less than a month to file their petitions, fees, and 100 signatures of valid, registered voters eligible to vote for them with the Fayette County Clerk. The deadline also applies to constitutionally required offices in Lexington, such as the Sheriff, Property Value Administrator, County Judge Executive, and so forth, though the filing requirements are slightly different.
With several sitting Councilmembers having announce that they’re not seeking re-election, and several other incumbents not yet declared for re-election, it’s an exciting time for those engaged in public policy and local politics in Lexington. I suspect there will be no shortage of surprising announcements over the next 30 days.
Hill Strategic Advisors 