The death of Senator Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan, has set off a last-minute write-in campaign just days before the Nov. 5 election.

A crowded field of write-in candidates is emerging for the Eastern Kentucky seat, which encompasses Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, and Letcher counties.

Kentucky League of Cities Second Vice President Scott Madon is emerging from a crowded field with a vital endorsement from the Senate Republican Campaign Caucus. Madon is a three-term mayor of the City of Pineville.

“Scott Madon is a proven leader who shares Johnnie Turner’s passion for standing up for the people of this region,” Senate President Robert Stivers told local media at the end of last week.  

In total, there are 11 write-in candidates for the open Senate seat. Whoever gets the most votes on Tuesday will win the seat.

Johnnie Turner died after a serious lawnmower accident last month. The late Senator drove a lawnmower into the deep end of an empty swimming pool at his home, according to Kentucky State Police.

The four-year term begins in January 2025.