Blevins to step down as Fayette County Clerk after 13 years in office

Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins Jr. announced Thursday he will retire by the end of January, less than a month after he successfully won his fourth term.

Newly-elected Fayette County Judge Executive Mary Diane McCord Hanna will appoint Blevins’ successor.

Both Blevins and Hanna are Democrats.

“We all know that ‘life happens’ on its own calendar,” Blevins said. “My personal life has seen significant change in the last year and will require my time and energy going forward such that I cannot give the county clerk role what it requires.”

Blevins was appointed in 2009 to take over the unexpired term of his father, Don Blevins Sr. Prior to becoming the clerk, Blevins served on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.

He easily defeated Republican challenger Brystin Denguessi Kwin on Nov. 8, receiving 67% of the vote. This was the first time since 2009 Blevins has faced a challenger in the general election.

Blevins said he will remain in the position until late January, which will give Hanna time to appoint a successor, he said.

Blevins said in a written statement he would not be making additional comments or taking additional questions about his decision to step down.

The office of the Fayette County Clerk provides motor vehicle titling and registration, voter registration and elections, and houses permanent records such as deeds, mortgages, and marriage licenses. The office collects over $90 million in taxes and fees each year and has 75 employees.

Candidates for the county clerk must be at least 21 years old, residents of Kentucky for two years, and residents of Fayette County for one year in addition to possessing applicable skills and experience.

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume with contact information and references, to:

Fayette County Judge Executive

200 East Main Street

Lexington, KY 40507

The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday, Dec. 14. Judge Hanna will conduct interviews and make the appointment in January after she is sworn into office.