Incumbent Charlie Castlen secured the Republican nomination for Daviess County Judge-Executive on Tuesday night, defeating Commissioner Janie Marksberry in the primary election as he tries to retain his seat.
Castlen advances to the November general election, where he will face Democrat Rod Kuegel.
Castlen said he viewed the outcome as a strong endorsement of his leadership and the work done by Fiscal Court during his tenure.
“I just couldn’t be happier that citizens have looked at my record and said, ‘Hey, this is the guy we want,’” Castlen said. “For me, this is a report card, and this is citizens saying they’re pleased with what Charlie’s done as judge-executive.”
Castlen said he spent election night attending a Sons of the American Revolution induction ceremony, where he was formally inducted into the organization, rather than closely monitoring election returns.
Looking ahead to the general election and the remainder of his current term, Castlen said his focus remains on ongoing county projects and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
“I would argue we run a tight ship,” he said. “We don’t blow money.”
Among the projects he highlighted were the county’s planned public safety building, the ongoing jail project, improvements to county parks, the nearly complete Stanley light project, and new pickleball courts nearing completion.
“We’re really close to being able to take the public safety building to bid, and the jail project is moving on as well,” Castlen said. “I’m just thrilled with where we are as a court, and I’m glad this primary day has come and gone, and the results are in.”
Castlen also thanked voters for participating in the election and said he was encouraged by turnout levels.
“First of all, thank you to the voters for coming out today,” he said. “I think the turnout was about 20%. It could have been a lot lower, and I was pleased it was as high as it was.”
He added that he plans to continue emphasizing a positive campaign moving forward.
“My hope and prayer is that the citizens will see more positive [campaigning] come November,” Castlen said.
