Pineville Mayor Scott Madon will be the new state Senator for the 29th District.

Madon, a Republican, was the resounding choice among Bell County voters with 2,832 votes and received a total of 6,825 votes across the five county district in the write-in election. According to totals on the Secretary of State’s website, Willie Crase was second with 2,892 votes, James Tyler Ward third with 2,006 votes and Tanner Hesterberg fourth with 1,908 votes.

“Elizabeth and I along with our family are truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity that has been afforded us by the voters of the 29th Senate District,” Madon said. “I will wake up every day with the mountain people on my mind and the desire to work hard for you in Frankfort to make our home an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The write-in election was necessary due to the passing of incumbent Senator Johnnie Turner on October 22 and Independent David Suhr withdrawing from the race after learning his National Guard unit was being called to active duty.

Madon beat out a field of 11 total candidates who filed to run as write-ins in the election.

“I would like to congratulate all the candidates for running a good race, and I have already heard from a few of them. I look forward to working with all of them in the future,” he said.

The senator-elect also took time to thank those who supported and endorsed him in the race.

“I would like to thank Congressman Hal Rogers for his endorsement and strong support along with Senate President Robert Stivers. Both of these leaders have produced mightily for our region, and they were vital to our campaign,” Madon said. “We could not have won this brief, but intense write-in race without the full support and involvement of the Senate Republican Caucus Campaign Committee and the staff of the Republican Party of Kentucky.

“Having the endorsement and blessing of the family of the late Sen. Johnnie L. Turner meant the world to me, and to have their backing and encouragement despite their time of tremendous grief and mourning was incredibly touching and very emotional for me. I will do my very best to carry on and continue Sen. Turner’s legacy of service to Eastern Kentucky.”

According to Kentucky statute, the Pineville City Council will have 30 days from the mayor’s resignation to appoint a new mayor. If a mayor hasn’t been appointed within 30 days, the governor will appoint a qualified person to the position. The appointed mayor will serve the remainder of Madon’s term, which is set to expire at the end 2026.