About James
My name is James Lawrence, and I’m proud to call Nicholasville, Kentucky, my home. I was blessed to grow up in southwest Virginia, a community that values hard work, tradition, and family. I’m very passionate about those values and am proud that my community in Nicholasville shares them. I come from a background rooted in integrity, being true to what I say, and looking for innovative ways to help make my community better. I’ve learned the importance of listening to people, solving real problems, and putting the needs of others first.
Having been awarded the honor of being a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Beshear, I take that responsibility seriously. It’s my responsibility to be a decent man, care for my family and community, and put personal integrity first.
As someone who is building a family in Nicholasville, I’m running for Mayor to advocate for common-sense policies that uplift our families, strengthen our economy, and ensure that Nicholasville remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I believe in fiscal responsibility, fostering safe neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for our youth and businesses. This campaign is not about me, truly; it’s about the amazing people I’ve had the benefit of getting to know, my neighbors and friends.
My fiance Heather and I believe that our purpose is to give back and serve a community that’s already been so good to us. A community is only as good as how our most vulnerable are treated, how well our children are educated, and if kitchen table issues are truly at the forefront of the discussion in City Hall.
A little about my background – I received my Bachelor’s degree from Radford University in Political Science, received a certificate in Corporate Communications from Cornell University as well as a certificate from the Public Relations Society of America in Crisis Communications. I’ve worked across many industries including transportation, financial services, Native American affairs, personal injury law, retail, public television with KET, and formerly as the Director of Development at Special Olympics Kentucky.
The pillars of this campaign are rooted in faith first and foremost, transparency, and a commitment to campaign with decency and be above the mudslinging our society has gotten so used to.
Key Priorities
Create a Small Business Support Fund offering low-interest loans and
grants to entrepreneurs and local business owners.
o Offer free or low-cost workshops on business planning, digital marketing,
and financial management in collaboration with local colleges.
Develop an Economic Development Task Force to identify industries
(e.g., advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare) that align with
Nicholasville’s location, workforce, and infrastructure.
o Work with the state’s Cabinet for Economic Development to secure
incentive packages for companies willing to establish headquarters or
facilities in the city.
Job Training and Workforce Development:
o Partner with Jessamine County Schools and Bluegrass Community and
Technical College to create apprenticeship and certification programs in
skilled trades (e.g., electricians, welders) and high-demand fields like IT
and healthcare.
o Incentivize local businesses to offer paid internships or on-the-job training
programs for Nicholasville residents.
Join the campaign
Get involved in James Lawrence’s campaign for Mayor 2026. Together we can build a stronger, more prosperous community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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James Lawrence for Mayor 2026 