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Standing Up For You

Meet James

James Kay currently serves as your Judge/Executive.

James and his wife, Cara, were born and raised in Woodford County, and they raise their children, Kieran (10), Kyan (8), and Isla James (6), in Versailles.
James and Cara are proud products of Woodford County Schools. James learned a strong work ethic and love for the land growing up working on the farm. James graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky and UK College of Law. Judge Kay is an accomplished attorney, running his own private law practice and giving back much of his time pro bono serving those in need.
Judge Kay previously served as your State Representative, working for commonsense solutions and fighting for farmers, teachers, students, state employees, and Woodford County families. Judge Kay was a leader in the Kentucky House, serving as Vice Chair of the Agriculture Committee.
Judge Kay has been conservative with your tax dollars, balancing budgets, expanding internet, modernizing County Government, and investing in people and infrastructure, all without raising your taxes.
Judge Kay has grown jobs and wages, providing proven leadership in tough times. Judge Kay has a bright vision for our future and a strong record of success. Keep Judge James Kay working for Woodford County.
Results & Experience Matter.

Good thing James Kay has both.

Here are just some of the Woodford Wins we've had with James Kay.

Groundbreaking Leadership...Literally
  • Big Sink Sidewalk

  • Midway EMS & Fire Station

  • Woodford County High School

  • Weisenberger Mill Bridge

  • Huntertown Rd. Sidewalk

  • County Fire Station No. 6

  • EMS Station No. 1

  • Clifton Road Sidewalk

  • The List Goes On

A Strong Economy That Works for You
  • Maintained the lowest unemployment rate in Kentucky.

  • Cut county property taxes while expanding services.

  • Built the strongest financial position in Woodford County history.

  • Passed balanced budgets every year in office.

  • Supported local small businesses and job creators.

  • Helped grow wages, jobs, and opportunity across the county.

Supporting Our Farmers, Not Just Talking About It
  • Provided COVID relief directly to Woodford County farmers.

  • Made Woodford County the only county in Kentucky to deliver targeted farmer relief during the pandemic.

  • Supported agricultural development and land preservation efforts.

  • Promoted opportunities for the next generation of farmers.

Safer Streets, Stronger Families
  • Maintained one of the lowest crime rates in Kentucky.

  • Strengthened partnerships with Woodford County Schools.

  • Implemented paid family leave for county employees.

  • Expanded housing stability and family assistance programs.

  • Increased access to utility, legal, and eviction support resources.

  • Focused on making Woodford County a top place in Kentucky to raise a family.

Protecting What Makes Woodford, Woodford
  • Ensured rural communities weren’t left behind during growth.

  • Expanded broadband access into rural areas.

  • Invested in rural roads and infrastructure.

  • Advocated for farmland protection and preservation of rural character.

  • Supported the agricultural and equine industries that define our economy.

Connecting All Of Woodford County
  • Expanded high-speed internet access to underserved areas.

  • Led the largest broadband expansion project in county history.

  • Modernized county government operations and services.

  • Secured grant funding to improve connectivity without raising taxes.

Investing In Your Neighborhood
  • Created and funded the first Neighborhood Grant Program.

  • Supported sidewalks, lighting, parks, and local improvements.

  • Strengthened partnerships with cities and community groups.

  • Increased investment in neighborhoods across the county.

Getting Things Done
  • Worked across parties and jurisdictions to deliver results.

  • Strengthened collaboration with schools, cities, and local partners.

  • Prioritized hiring local talent and investing in Woodford County residents.

  • Increased opportunities for women and young professionals in county government.

  • Built one of the most collaborative county governments in Woodford County history.

And these are just some Woodford Wins! Imagine what we can accomplish with four more years with

James Kay!