The local League of Women Voters candidate forums for those running in the May primary election begin Tuesday afternoon.
All of the forums will be streamed live on the Hopkinsville League of Women Voters Facebook page and televised on Spectrum Channel 376, according to a news release.
The first debate at 4 p.m. Tuesday is between the two Republicans running for Hopkinsville City Council in Ward 5—incumbent Amy Craig and challenger Anna Norris.
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, the two Republican candidates in Ward 9, Ardell Owens and Jamie Lynn Lienberger, are set to debate. The winner of that primary will face incumbent Democrat Patricia Bell.
The forums resume Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. between incumbent Christian County Sheriff Tyler DeArmond and Republican challenger, Oak Grove Police Officer Adam Vanderkolk. There is no Democrat running for the post, so the winner of the primary will be sheriff for the next four years.
Thursday will be a busy day of forums, beginning at 4 p.m. with the Republican primary for Christian County clerk between Melinda Humphries and Erica Newby. The winner of that primary will face Democrat Walter Cummings in November.
Both primaries for Hopkinsville mayor are featured in the late afternoon session Thursday—with Democrats Michael Pendleton and Alethea West going first at 5 p.m. and Republicans Vince Farrell and James Knight, Jr. commencing their forum at 6:30.
There are no forums next week, but they resume April 11 at 4 p.m. with the Republican primary for Christian Fiscal Court Magistrate in District 4 between incumbent Darrell Gustafson and J.E. Pryor.
They are followed at 5 p.m. with the Republicans running for Christian Fiscal Court in District 6—incumbent Philip Peterson and James McKnight.
Ninth District State Representative Walker Thomas of Hopkinsville will debate Republican challenger, Caldwell County Judge-Executive Larry Curling at 7 p.m. on April 11.
The final forum before the primary is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 when Republican Christian County judge-executive candidates Jerry Gilliam, Katie Moyer, Dan Mason and Tommy McGraw are set to debate.
The winner of that primary will face incumbent Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble in November.