Staff report
William E. Woods, 38, a Florence resident, native Kentuckian, and small business owner has officially announced his candidacy as a write-in candidate for Boone County Judge/Executive in November’s General Election.
Woods, who describes himself as a Reagan conservative, said he entered the race after weeks of conversations with Boone County Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who urged him to offer the county an alternative for its top office.
“Boone County has been my home for more than three decades, and I am running for Judge/Executive to protect our county,” he said. Our residents deserve a transparent leader who is accountable to the people, not a political party or special interest group. My only interest is serving our citizens; all citizens. I’m ready to lead on day one.”
Woods grew up in Florence and has lived in Union and attended Boone County Public Schools from K-12.
As a small business owner, he has created local jobs, met payrolls, and managed budgets through tough economic cycles. This experience has prepared him to address what he calls “the county’s most pressing challenges,” including a weak “General Fund Balance” and the need for affordable housing and living- wage jobs.
“My priorities are simple; keep Boone County safe, keep taxes low, develop our land responsibly by preserving our green spaces where the law allows, and to provide honest, uncensored accountability. That is not just my pledge; it is my promise.”
Woods, an Honorable Kentucky Colonel and ordained minister, stressed his commitment to religious freedom and individual liberty. He has proudly defended the civil and religious rights of all employees, especially those with differing beliefs.
“We must protect individual rights,” he affirmed. “Every persodeserves respect and dignity. Catering to one group invites discrimination and that won’t happen on my watch.”
On November 3, 2026, Woods is asking voters to write in “William E. Woods” for Boone County Judge/Executive on their ballot.
He is opposing Commissioner Chet Hand who won the Republian nomination to appear on the ballot by defeating Judge-Executive Gary Moore in the primary election. There were no democratic candidates on the primary ballot in May.