Who is running for Kenton County Sheriff in 2026?

Tom Collins (Democrat) and Larry Shelton (Republican).

Who should I vote for in the Kenton County Sheriff race?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.

When is the election?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Kenton County Sheriff

Last updated Sun, Nov 8, 3:15 AM ET

2 candidates · General election, November 3, 2026

What this office does

The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.

Immigration enforcement (ICE 287(g))

Kenton County's sheriff's office has an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program: Jail Enforcement Model (signed May 2, 2025).

Jail Enforcement Model: identifying and processing people booked into the county jail on state or local charges who may be removable.

Under 287(g), ICE trains and authorizes local officers to carry out some federal immigration duties. From ICE's list of participating agencies, as of October 28, 2026. Whether to keep, change or end an agreement is up to the sheriff.

Candidates

Tom Collins

Democrat

Not enough public record yet to place on the left–right scale.

Larry Shelton

Republican · $27K raised (state filings)

Not enough public record yet to place on the left–right scale.

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Next elections here

Kentucky election 2027 · November 2, 2027: Governor, lieutenant governor and all five other statewide constitutional offices
2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Kenton County ballots

All Kenton County races and measures →

Quick answers

Who is running for Kenton County Sheriff in 2026?: Tom Collins (Democrat) and Larry Shelton (Republican).
What does this office do?: The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.
Who should I vote for in the Kenton County Sheriff race?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.
When is the election?: The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Kenton County ballot.

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