Following considerable thought and encouragement from friends and family, Christian County’s Lucas Stagner announced his candidacy for District 8 magistrate of fiscal court Tuesday afternoon — entering the race as a Republican in the 2026 election.
With the primary set for May 19, Stagner said he will spend the next six months sharing his concerns and celebrations of the community. As a lifelong resident of Christian County, Stagner said he has dedicated much of his career to that of public service — starting first as a dispatcher within the Emergency Communications Center before transitioning to the Hopkinsville Fire Department.
For the last 27 years, he has been an active member of the Christian County Rescue Team, where he believes those experiences have given him “deep understanding” of community, and what it means in the grand scheme.
Stagner said he cares “deeply” about Christian County, and the people “who make it a great place.”
If elected magistrate, Stagner added he would be committed to making decisions that “not only address challenges,” but also “build on strengths.” He wants Christian County to remain “safe, thriving and welcoming” for all residents, and that he would serve with “integrity and transparency.”
John Bruce currently serves this seat, and Bruce filed for re-election December 10.
Stagner’s filing wasn’t the only one made Tuesday afternoon.
Sophia Natasha Francis has entered the Republican primary of the Hopkinsville mayoral race, a field that already has current magistrate Russ Guffey and incumbent Mayor J.R. Knight.
Francis last ran for Hopkinsville City Council Ward 1 as a write-in candidate in 2024, and Francis was on the ballot in the Republican primary earlier that year.
Tabitha Pryor Strader has filed for the Republican primary as Christian County Property Value Administrator, while Elizabeth Draude has filed for the same primary as 12th Ward of Hopkinsville City Council. She is also an incumbent, who also holds positions on the Pennyroyal Area Museum Board of Directors and Human Rights Commission.
