Louisville gets new sheriff and county clerk after loss of two longtime public servants

Two experienced Louisville leaders step into crucial roles left vacant by beloved public servants.

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Louisville is turning the page on a difficult chapter with Mayor Craig Greenberg announcing who will fill two crucial positions left vacant by the recent deaths of beloved public officials.

Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey and County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw each served the community for nearly three decades, and their passing left big shoes to fill. On Friday, Mayor Greenberg named their successors, choosing two experienced leaders with deep ties to Louisville.

A historic appointment for the sheriff

Deputy Mayor David James will become Jefferson County's first Black sheriff when he's sworn in on October 10. For Louisville, this is a significant milestone in a role that's all about keeping the community safe.

If James' name sounds familiar, there's a reason. He's been around Louisville law enforcement and government for decades- as a police officer, head of the Kentucky Bureau of Investigations, chief of UofL's police department, and even Metro Council President before joining the Greenberg administration.

"David has been a leader in law enforcement his entire adult life," Mayor Greenberg said, noting that James will continue implementing the city's Safe Louisville plan to reduce crime and build stronger neighborhoods.

James made it clear this appointment is temporary- he'll serve out the remainder of Sheriff Aubrey's term and then return to his deputy mayor role once voters elect a new sheriff in 2026. But he's taking the responsibility seriously, calling Sheriff Aubrey "a great friend" and promising to honor his legacy.

Veteran politician takes over elections

For County Clerk, Mayor Greenberg tapped State Senator David Yates, who will be sworn in on October 8th. Yates is a South End native who's served on Metro Council and as Council President, so he knows Louisville government inside and out.

Why does this matter? The County Clerk's office runs elections- all of them. From registering voters to counting ballots, this office is the backbone of Louisville's democracy.

"At the heart of the County Clerk's office is one of the most sacred responsibilities we have in a democracy: running free, fair and transparent elections," Yates said. Translation: he gets how important this job is, especially with elections for both positions coming up in 2026.

What this means for Louisville

Both appointments are temporary. Louisville voters will choose permanent replacements in primary elections next May and general elections in November 2026, so residents will ultimately decide who leads these offices long-term.

In the meantime, the city gets continuity and experience. James brings decades of law enforcement know-how at a time when public safety remains a top concern for many Louisvillians. Yates brings government experience to an office that needs to run smoothly as election season approaches.

Mayor Greenberg also shuffled his own team, promoting Julie Carr to Deputy Mayor- making her the official second-in-command while James serves as sheriff-and elevating Chan Kemper to Deputy Mayor and Deputy General Counsel.

The bottom line? Louisville lost two public servants who gave almost 60 combined years to the community. Now, the city moves forward with experienced hands at the wheel, at least until voters have their say next year.

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