2026 Kentucky General Election

Doug THOMAS

Buket Urgen

Thomas, who served two terms from 2011 to 2018 as a Democrat, said his decision to run again comes after watching ongoing challenges at the county detention center.

Former Madison County jailer Doug Thomas seeks return to office in GOP primary

Doug Thomas previously served as Madison County Jailer for two terms from 2011 to 2018.

Former Madison County jailer Doug Thomas seeks return to office in ...

As of October 6, 2026, Doug THOMAS’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Budget

Thomas said addressing mental health training will be a priority.

"We have to do more training to recognize the individual that's coming in with mental health upon the booking," he said. "There's a lot that goes into play there, but we have to have more training on mental health."

Madison County jailer returns to role facing legal challenges, safety concerns

The 184-bed facility regularly houses more than double its capacity. Thomas identified staffing as crucial to safety.

"I have to get the right people in here and get it staffed," he said. "If you're not, it makes it very difficult to maintain the run of this jail like it should be."

Calls for more staff training to identify people with mental health needs during jail booking.

Said staffing the jail with the right people is necessary for operating it properly.

- Calls for more staff training to identify people with mental health needs during jail booking.
- Said staffing the jail with the right people is necessary for operating it properly.

Jail Management

Said jail management should address serious incidents and prevent them from happening again.

When asked about the incidents and deaths, Thomas acknowledged the severity of the situation.

"It don't sit well," he said. "Things are going to happen sometimes, but you gotta own it and fix it and make sure it don't happen again."

Administration

- The jailer is responsible for the county jail and all of the people in it, including managing deputies and other staff. They are responsible for keeping the jail up to health and safety standards and must provide necessary health care to those who cannot pay.
- The jailer is also the jail's record keeper and responsible for bail bonds. They 
- In some counties, the jailer acts as a bailiff in the court system or maintains and operates county buildings.manage prisoners’ work or educational release and community service.
- This position has a maximum annual salary based on the county and jail operation size. The current maximum values range from about $85,000 to $154,400. 