GLASGOW, Ky. — All seven of Barren County’s magisterial districts are up for election this year.

Some districts, including District 6, do not appear on the primary ballot because only one Republican or Democrat filed in those races, meaning they will only appear on the November ballot.

We asked candidates to share more about themselves, their backgrounds, and why they are seeking office. The responses below reflect exactly what candidates submitted. Some included a photo, while others did not.

Candidates are listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot. All candidates in the magistrate primary are Republicans.

Some districts do have Democratic candidates, but only one filed in those races, so no primary was needed to narrow the field of candidates.

Here’s what they had to say.

Magistrate (1st District)

Brandin Bartley

Did not respond.

Mark Shipley

Barren County has always been my home, and I believe in giving back to the community that has given so much to my family and me. It would be an honor to serve District 1 on the Fiscal Court and to work every day for the people of Barren County.

I am running to be a common-sense voice. I am focused on responsible spending, continued growth, and working collaboratively to get things done for our county.

I grew up working on our family farm in the Dry Fork community, an experience that shaped my work ethic and appreciation for responsibility.

My work experience includes RR Donnelleys, Green Leaf Nursery, and Green Mechanical Construction, where I currently serve as Workforce Coordinator. I am also a co-owner of Fox Hollow Golf Club. These roles have instilled in me a strong appreciation for hard work, teamwork, and responsible management.

I am married to Amy Newberry Shipley. Amy is a retired educator/librarian from the Barren County Schools and now works part time at Off the Square. We are members of Glasgow Baptist Church and are the proud parents of three adult children: Mark Edward, Pate, and Lilly.

I have already been out on the campaign trail talking with constituents and plan on visiting with as many as possible between now and May 19th. I look forward to talking with community members and listening to what matters most to the people of Barren County. Together we can continue moving Barren County forward in a responsible and positive way.

I have been very encouraged with all the growth and development in Barren County over the last few years. As Magistrate for District 1, I would be honored to help continue all the exciting things going on in Barren County.

Magistrate (2nd District)

Derek Pedigo

Did not respond.

Brandon Bell

Did not respond.

Magistrate (3rd District)

Charley Bunch (dropped out)

Daniel Turner

As a lifelong resident of Barren County, born and raised right here in Temple Hill, I am officially seeking the opportunity to serve as your next Magistrate for District #3.

My wife, Molly, and I are proud to raise our two children, Grady and Anabelle, in the same community that shaped me. For the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to Green Mechanical Construction, where I currently serve as a Project Manager. My professional experience has taught me how to manage large-scale projects, stay on budget, and find practical solutions to complex problems—skills I am ready to put to work for our county.

I believe in leadership that listens. My goal is to bring transparency and common-sense solutions to our local government, always putting the needs of our neighbors first. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.

Tim Durham

My name is Tim Durham, and I am the incumbent Magistrate for District 3 of Barren County and am seeking reelection. I am a lifelong resident of Barren County, having grown up in Austin with my parents, Max and Betty Durham. I later married my high school sweetheart, Kim Durham, daughter of Buck and Patty Brown, and together we built our home in District 3. For the past 46 years, we have lived, worked, and raised our family in the same community I am honored to serve today.

I retired from South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative after 32 years of service, including the last 15 years in a leadership role. In that position, I gained valuable experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and overseeing major projects—experience I now use in serving our county. I chose to run for re-election to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

Over the past three years, we have made meaningful progress. District 3 is a rural area with over 160 miles of county roads, and improving our infrastructure—roads, tiles, and low water fords—has been a top priority. We have made steady improvements while also lowering property taxes for three consecutive years and increasing our county reserves beyond where they stood in 2023.

I currently serve as Chairman of the Barren County Jail Committee and on the Parks and Recreation and the Emergency Management/Solid Waste Committees, where at both facilities we as a court have made much progress.

It has been an honor to serve the people of Barren County, and I would be proud to continue working on your behalf for another term. I remain committed to making our community a place we can all be proud of—by strengthening infrastructure, keeping property tax as low as possible, and working with other county departments so that we can attract future industries to Barren County.

270-590-5777
E-mails: tdurham@barrencountyky.gov / timd@scrtc.com

I humbly ask for each of your votes and your support in the upcoming May primary election.

Magistrate (4th District)

Thomas G. Branham

Thomas Branham, 50, has proudly called District 4 home for the past 11 years. His wife, a lifelong resident of the area, shares his deep roots in the community. Together, they are raising their four children with strong values centered on hard work, family, and service.

Thomas is the owner and operator of TJ’s Tree Service, a locally owned business that serves Barren County and the surrounding area. His work keeps him out in the community daily, allowing him to connect with residents, understand their concerns firsthand, and stay in touch with the needs of the people he serves. Through this, he has built lasting relationships with families and fellow small business owners across the district.

As a Republican, Thomas believes in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and standing up for the hardworking people of District 4. He is committed to being a strong, dependable voice for the community—someone who listens, represents, and takes action on the issues that matter most.

If elected, Thomas’s priorities will include supporting local businesses, maintaining safe and well-kept roads, strengthening community services, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and effectively. He believes leadership should be rooted in common sense, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people.

Thomas Branham is running to be the voice for the people of District 4—bringing real-world experience, strong values, and a dedication to making a positive difference in the community he calls home.

Tim Coomer

To the voting members of District 4, I’m Tim Coomer, 66 years young, born and raised in the Hiseville area of District 4. I have resided in the district all my life. I have deeply rooted myself in the traditional conservative values of faith, family, and hard work. From farming the fertile fields of Barren County to attending Coral Hill Baptist Church on Sundays, you will see I am a person who is consistently committed, never changing my mind on what is right.

I have valuable work experience that would assist in making wise decisions for our county. I dedicated 20 years to keep things running for our school-age children in the Barren County school transportation system. For 19 years, I was employed to keep manufacturing lines moving. Additionally, for 18 years I have worked to shape policies that actually support farmers with my time at the National Association of State Department of Agriculture.

I am already on the job as your current magistrate. You’ll find my tenure has been steady, straight, and no nonsense. We have made great progress and I am ready to continue in the right direction for the future of Barren County. Re-elect me and I’ll continue treating every choice like it’s my own backyard. District 4 deserves steady hands.

Re-elect Tim Coomer.

Trevor Phillips

I am Trevor Phillips, 36 years old and a lifelong resident of District 4. My siblings and I own and operate Phillips Family Grocery & Butcher Shop, where I’m actively involved in all aspects of operations. Growing and managing a family business has given me firsthand experience in responsible financial management, building strong teams, and serving the public with accountability and transparency.

Earlier in my career, I worked for the Barren County Sheriff’s Office, where I gained valuable insight into how county government operates. That experience gave me a deep respect for the essential services provided to our citizens and a clear understanding of how county decisions directly impact families across our community. It also sparked my desire to serve.

I currently serve on the board of Barren Inc., the Chamber of Commerce, and the board of the Barren County Family YMCA. Through these roles, I remain actively involved in economic development, workforce growth, and expanding opportunities for families throughout Barren County.

My priorities for District 4 are straightforward: continued investment in infrastructure and road maintenance, strong support for emergency services, and consistent communication between county government and the people it serves. I believe steady leadership and practical decision making are essential to moving our district forward.

As a husband, father, businessman, and lifelong resident, I am personally invested in the future of this county. I believe real progress happens when we work together, and I am committed to leading District 4 forward “Together with Trevor!”

I humbly ask for your vote, confidence, and support.

Magistrate (5th District)

Steven Gil Hernandez

Hi, my name is Steven Hernandez, and I’m running for Magistrate of District 5.
I’ve been proud to call this community home since 1995. I believe in hard work, responsibility, and most importantly—showing up for people.

My wife, Lorie Scott Hernandez, and I have been married for 30 years. We’ve built a life centered around family, and I’m a proud father of two and grandfather of three. Family has always been the foundation of everything I do.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in both large organizations and small businesses. At Bowling Green Metalforming, I was responsible for managing and balancing multimillion-dollar budgets, which taught me the importance of accountability and financial responsibility.

I also own and operate a small excavation and dirt work business. That hands-on experience has given me a real understanding of road maintenance, infrastructure needs, and how to manage resources wisely.

I don’t come from a political background—I come from a working background. I believe leadership means listening, being present, and doing the job right.

I’m running for Magistrate of District 5 to work for the people, not the position. It would be an honor to earn your vote.

Marty Kinslow

I’m Marty Kinslow seeking reelection as Magistrate of District 5 in Barren Co. I am a lifelong resident of this district where myself and family reside. I am a graduate of Barren Co High School. I also attended Jr High at Park City. I worked 21 years in the restaurant business as a manager and later as Area Manager for 2 different chains under the same ownership. I operated 5 locations in Barren Co and covered a dozen locations from here to Somerset.

During this time period I also attended Lindsey Wilson College and WKU. I studied business management and accounting. Then wanting a change of scenery I entered a 24 year stint with the United States Postal Service. While working there I was a rural carrier, union steward and supervisor.

I use my knowledge of how to run a business and have been applying this knowledge to government. As the chairman of The Administrative and Budget Committee I am well versed in making budgets and sticking to them. We have regular meetings with all department heads and are all dedicated to being fiscally responsible. I am proud to say we have kept the budget balanced and have reduced the tax rate all 3 years while providing essential services. I also am a member of The Jail and Economic Development Committees.

I wanted to become Magistrate because I felt Barren Co was being left behind by other areas in the state. Our population grew from about 30 thousand in the 70's to about 45 thousand today. But in that time we lost three major employers. So I feel we are at a job deficit now. I want a county where our children and grandchildren have a secure future with good paying jobs. I want a safe drug free community. A community where there are good parks and recreation, and cultural/social activities here. I didn’t like that our residents felt like they had to go to Bowling Green or Nashville or Louisville to shop and entertain themselves. Why not do all that right here at home.

Now that our administration has been in office a little over 3 years we have addressed most of these concerns. We have hundreds of good jobs coming with more to come in Agribusiness and tourism and more industry. Barren Co now seems to be a place where business and industry says this area is the place to be. I think our strategies and projects are putting us on the right road for the future. We also by the work of lots of local elected officials are getting a regional drivers license office. This will be a convenience to all our residents. So I ask for your continued support not only for myself but all of us seeking reelection. We truly are united in wanting a better Barren Co. Thanks and glad to be a member of your Fiscal Court.

Greg Gassaway

Did not respond.

Magistrate (7th District)

Brad Groce

My name is Brad Groce, and I am the current Magistrate of District 7. I am 62 years old. My wife is Beth Groce and we have three kids: Cheyenne Mercer, Clay Groce and Connor Rich. I am a proud grandfather to four grandchildren named Quaid and Cami Mercer, and Warner and Peers Groce.

For the last 25 years I have been an insurance agent in Glasgow for Shelter Insurance. Before that I worked for RR Donnelly for 17 years. My prior experience also includes working on a small cattle farm with my brother Bruce Groce.

Prior to being District 7’s Magistrate I served on the Glasgow City Council from 2004-2020. I was also a member of the Glasgow Water Company Board of Directors for 6 years. I am currently serving as the President of the Barren County Alumni Association. I am also a member of the Barren County Cattlemans Association.

If re-elected, one of my primary goals is to continue helping Barren County grow even more in the years to come. Over this last term, we have had a lot of success and progress in moving our county forward.

A few of the things we have accomplished over the last few years is transforming Jackie Browning Park into a larger complex to support our growing county, the addition of the U.S. Bank building that now houses the Health Department, PVA office, and building inspectors, and the creation of an EMA building that also houses the Coroner’s Office.

The current magistrates have invested a lot of money in our Road Department to help maintain over 600 miles of county roads. The recent announcements for the Agriculture Expo Center in Cave City and the Sports Complex are a few things that will help with the continued success of Barren County. My main priority as always is to ensure stability, growth, and the financial future of our community.

Michael Haynes

Did not respond.

Still do not know where your district is? View a more specific map here.

Also, read more about the primary election on Barrenside!

Election 2026 - Barrenside

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