Kenton County Republican Primary Features Incumbent PVA Darlene Plummer Challenging Chris Reinersman

.COVINGTON, Ky. — Voters in Kenton County will head to the polls on May 19, 2026, for the Republican primary, where the race for Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) pits longtime incumbent Darlene Plummer against challenger Chris Reinersman, the current mayor of Independence.kentoncountykyclerk.comThe PVA office is responsible for determining the fair market value of approximately 65,000 residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties across Kentucky’s third-largest county. These assessments form the basis for local property taxes, making the role central to both government revenue and taxpayer fairness.linknky.comIncumbent Darlene Plummer Seeks Re-ElectionPlummer, first elected in 2014, has more than 25 years of experience in the PVA office and over 40 years in real estate. She holds multiple professional designations, including being the only PVA in Kentucky to earn both the Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES) and Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) from the International Association of Assessing Officers. She is also a Certified and Senior Kentucky Assessor.linknky.comIn her campaign, Plummer emphasizes continuity, transparency, and customer service. Under her leadership, the office has automated exemption processes, launched online tools, produced educational videos and brochures, and maintained fair assessments through data updates and statistical analysis.nkytribune.com“I am honored to serve the citizens of Kenton County and remain committed to providing accurate, transparent, and exceptional customer service,” Plummer said. “If re-elected, I will continue to advance technology, strengthen customer relationships, and ensure fair and equitable assessments for all property owners.”nkytribune.comShe recently announced a new contract for aerial photography to better track property changes, underscoring her focus on accuracy amid market shifts.linknky.comChallenger Chris Reinersman Brings Appraisal and Leadership ExperienceReinersman announced his candidacy in December 2025, opting not to seek re-election as Independence mayor. He brings 37 years of commercial real estate appraisal experience, plus 12 years as mayor and four years on the city council.chris4pva.com“My 35+ years in real estate appraisal work along with the insights gained from serving as mayor and leadership positions on county and regional boards have prepared me well for the responsibilities of PVA,” Reinersman stated.linknky.comHis campaign highlights efficient, effective, and experienced leadership, promising fair and transparent valuations with accessible information for residents. He positions his background in both valuation and local government as a strong fit for the office.chris4pva.comBroader Context of the May 19 PrimaryThe PVA race appears on the Republican ballot countywide. Other key races include contested primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House (4th District), state representative districts, sheriff, and county commissioner seats. No Democratic primary exists for PVA.kentoncountykyclerk.comEarly voting and absentee options are available; voters should check their precinct and sample ballots via the Kenton County Clerk’s website. The winner of the Republican primary is heavily favored in the deeply red county for the November general election.elect.ky.gov