On Primary Election night, the Henderson County Republican Party Headquarters is packed with Anthony Willett supporters, many wearing his red campaign t-shirt.
This is the Primary Election night watch party for Willett. He’s standing before a large projector screen as results come in. A cry erupts when the final precinct is in. Willett took 66-percent of the vote, over opponent Eddie Vaught.
In Kentucky the Jailer, not the sheriff is responsible for operating the county jail.
Willett secured the Republican nomination and doesn’t currently have a Democratic challenger.
Unless one is added this summer he will be unchallenged, and become Jailer in January.
Willett wants to improve morale and mental health for jail deputies.
“The deputies see more in a month than what most people probably see in a lifetime,,” Willett said. “That's a lot of stress for them to be added on to them, and that's one of the cultures I want to change.”
Willett is a Lieutenant in the Sheriff’s office in charge of training. He has nearly two decades of experience in both the jail and the sheriff’s office. He said reducing recidivism is one of his first priorities. Soon Willett will be working on his replacement at the sheriff’s office.
The Hendersonian newspaper reported that this race was contentious, between Willett and Vaught, with candidates “trading barbs” and accusing each other of lying about the other including on social media. Vaught is a Captain at the Detention Center in charge of training.
Current Jailer Bruce Todd was not on the ballot.
In this primary election, 22-percent of registered voters cast ballots — much higher than 11.9 percent in 2022.
See more results here. WNIN will have more on the Henderson Primary Election after Memorial Day.
Support independent journalism today. You rely on WNIN to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Give to grow our local reporting today. Donate
