Kentucky treasurer: Republican Mark Metcalf claims victory over Michael Bowman

Republican Mark Metcalf is poised to be the next Kentucky treasurer, holding a large lead over Democrat Michael Bowman.

With 85% of precincts reporting, Metcalf leads by 57% to 43% over Bowman. Metcalf claimed victory in a speech to his supporters earlier in the evening.

Metcalf is a longtime Garrard County attorney and could be the second state official from the county. Jonathan Shell, who was running for Commissioner of Agriculture, is also from Garrard County.

Both Metcalf and Bowman have campaigned with gubernatorial candidates in recent weeks, as Metcalf has frequently appeared on the trail with Daniel Cameron while Bowman has attended rallies alongside Andy Beshear.

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Metcalf said before the GOP primary he'd aim to cut the office's budget along with working to "end Biden's recklessness" and "stop illegals from siphoning tax dollars."

Metcalf is the current Garrard County attorney and previously worked in private practice, where he focused on criminal law, immigration as well as wills & estates, according to his Kentucky Bar Association profile.

Bowman worked as a bank officer for U.S. Bank. He lost the race in 2019 when he challenged the incumbent treasurer, Republican Allison Ball. Ball ran for state auditor and won, defeating Democrat Kim Reeder.

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Kentucky's state treasurer is a constitutional officer who acts as the commonwealth's chief elected fiscal officer, with duties including handling the state's revenue deposits and unclaimed property fund.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky election results: Mark Metcalf vs Michael Bowman for treasurer