McLean County Judge-Executive Curtis Dame has filed for re-election, seeking a third term in office.
The 37-year-old Republican said his decision to run again stems from a sense of unfinished business and a commitment to seeing ongoing recovery and development projects through.
“My boys and my family, and to be honest with you, the future of our county — that’s my ultimate fuel and driver,” Dame said. “We’ve come a long way since 2019, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving something uncompleted. I was raised that you don’t quit when you’ve made a commitment.”
Dame first took office in 2019 after winning a special election to fill an unexpired term, then was re-elected to a full term. He said McLean County has faced a series of tests during his time in office — including the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple severe weather events, and two major floods — but added that the County’s emergency response and coordination systems have proven effective.
“I think that shows that the system we have works, and we’re not going to leave anybody behind,” he said. “In a crazy way, I think I respond to situations and pressure pretty good. I hold FEMA Incident Command System training, and that background has helped me know what capabilities are available and who to call.”
A fifth-generation McLean County farmer, Dame grew up on his family’s farm and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Murray State University. His graduate research focused on precision agriculture and emergency response, including writing an emergency plan for Murray State’s School of Agriculture. Before entering politics, he worked as an extension agent for the University of Kentucky in Hopkins County.
Dame said his leadership style is data-driven and community-centered.
“I feel like one of those leaders [who believes] that the data will tell you what you need to do,” he said. “The numbers show me we have a housing crisis here and a need for more recreational opportunities. We’re a bedroom community, and I want to make sure families have reasons to stay and invest here.”
He added that workforce development and small business growth remain central to his goals for another term, noting that new businesses have opened in Calhoun and other areas in recent years.
“That’s why I do what I do — not for the ribbon cuttings, but to know that has trickled down effects on our population,” Dame said. “We’ve got some new things coming down, and we just have to make sure our workforce is ready.”
Dame said he strives to maintain accessibility to residents through an open-door policy and responsiveness, whether in person or online.
“I try to be accessible in all realms,” he said. “That’s how I would want my government to serve me — just call me back, just listen. We may not get what we want, but just to be heard means a lot.”
He acknowledged that balancing public service and family life can be challenging but said his priorities remain clear.
“My boys are only young once, and I’m going to pick my battles — they’re priority number one,” he said.
If re-elected, Dame said he plans to continue pursuing infrastructure improvements, housing development, and energy efficiency initiatives that strengthen McLean County’s future.
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