About Richard Tanner
Richard Tanner, a longtime Franklin County resident, is completing his first term as 5th District Magistrate and has announced his bid for re-election in 2026.
A proud veteran and graduate of Murray State University, Tanner earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before spending more than 20 years as Executive Director of the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association. That experience, he says, gave him a deep understanding of how state and local governments can work hand in hand.
“I bring over 30 years of experience in local and state government,” Tanner said. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that when we work together for the people, we can accomplish anything.”
During his first term, Tanner drew on his experience and statewide connections to fight for the people of the 5th District and all of Franklin County.
“Three years ago, we faced the daunting task of helping our community recover from COVID while also tackling long-standing challenges,” Tanner said. “I rolled up my sleeves and got to work and accomplished a lot!”
Some of the accomplishments that Tanner points to include numerous economic development successes, such as the over 220 jobs created at the Nitto Manufacturing Facility on Drive and the Paddocks of Frankfort development currently underway off 127.
“Ensuring public safety is local governments’ utmost responsibility to the community, and I strongly advocated for increased funding for our first responders,” Tanner stated. “Equipping them with modern, well-maintained tools is crucial for protecting lives and enhancing the safety of our citizens.”
“Water and sewer in Farmdale have been a huge problem for years,” Tanner said. “After decades of neglect, the county has been left to clean up the mess. But we are finally making progress. The Farmdale Water Revitalization project is nearly complete, and the area now has access to safe, clean drinking water.”
Looking ahead, Tanner says his top priority is securing remaining funding for the Farmdale Sewer revitalization project.
“Just because we’ve accomplished a lot in the last few years doesn’t mean the job is done, or that it’s getting any easier,” Tanner said. “We are close to getting the funding to complete the Farmdale sewer revitalization.”
He mentioned that he wants to continue this momentum in other areas, particularly affordable housing. Tanner highlights his support for new affordable housing initiatives, including the development currently in the early stages in downtown and other similar projects.
Tanner also pointed out, “We have taken the first step for a new indoor aquatic center, and I want to make sure the community gets the kind of facility they deserve.”
Tanner noted that decisions made at the federal level have reduced state and local revenues and cut back on grant funding that communities rely on.
“Accomplishing tasks is becoming increasingly difficult,” he said. “That’s why we need leaders with experience at every level of government. This need for experienced leadership is one of the main reasons I’ve chosen to run again.”
In addition to his work leading the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association, Tanner has served on the Franklin County Health Department Board and has been actively involved in community service for many years.
He and his wife, Nancy, have been married for nearly 60 years. They have one daughter, Rebecca Tanner Martin, and two grandchildren. The family is a longtime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Closing his announcement, Tanner expressed optimism about the county’s future:
“This is an exciting time for Franklin County. We have a lot of remarkable things happening and more on the way. Now is the time to push forward to a better tomorrow for all.” Tanner, a lifelong Democrat, is currently unopposed in the May 2026 Democratic Primary