Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins earns second term, easily beating Denguessi Kwin

Longtime Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins Jr. easily beat Republican challenger Brystin Denguessi Kwin to win another four-year term.

Blevins, who has served as county clerk since he was appointed in 2009, received 67% of the vote. Denguessi Kwin received 33%, according to unofficial results.

The Democrat has run unopposed since taking over the office with a staff of more than 75 people and a budget north of $90 million. Don Blevins Sr. was in the office for 27 years prior to the younger Blevins appointment.

Denguessi Kwin, 27, a lawyer, told voters in campaign advertisements that it was time for a change in the office that oversees motor vehicle tags, marriage licenses, land records and elections. Denguessi Kwin also pledged to operate satellite offices and make it easier for people to access the clerk’s office in person.

Blevins Jr. said the office’s duties are complex. Experience was a must in the position. Blevins also said his office has taken steps to move almost all services online or via mail. Blevins also said the office had extended hours several years ago but ultimately nixed those hours because too few people came.

Blevins, 60, also said he wanted to finish moving all of the county’s land records online.

Blevins opted to raise less than $3,000 for the race and did not have to report campaign finance donations.

Denguessi Kwin raised more than $47,803.

Beth Musgrave

Lexington Herald-Leader

Beth Musgrave has covered government and politics for the Herald-Leader for more than a decade. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has worked as a reporter in Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois and Washington D.C. Support my work with a digital subscription