Joe Hagan has announced his candidacy for East County Commissioner, saying he wants to bring steady, real-world leadership to County government and help guide long-term growth in Daviess County.
Hagan, who is 53 and running as a Republican, said his decision to run has been years in the making and is rooted in a desire to help ensure the County remains a place where future generations can live, work, and raise families.
“Daviess County has been good to my family for three generations,” Hagan said. “I want to help make sure it continues to be a place where families can stay, work, and build their lives.”
A lifelong Kentuckian, Hagan said his interest in public service grew through leadership development and community involvement, including his participation in Leadership Owensboro. He said he has seriously considered running for office for nearly eight years, and felt the timing was right as he looks toward the future of the County.
“I’ve got grandkids now, and we’re going to have eight by March,” Hagan said. “It’s really about building for the future generation. I want my kids and my grandkids and their kids to stay here in Daviess County, and we’ve got to have a strong county and strong economic development to do that.”
Hagan has spent much of his career in skilled trades, manufacturing, and operations, beginning on the shop floor and moving into leadership roles. He has owned and operated multiple businesses and led organizations of varying sizes, experiences he says shape his approach to government.
“At the end of the day, when you’re running a business or leading an operation, you’re responsible for people’s livelihoods,” he said. “That real-world leadership, where the rubber meets the road, matters.”
Hagan said his campaign is centered on three core priorities: real-world leadership, integrity and transparency in government, and unity across jurisdictions and party lines. He emphasized the importance of open communication between County and City governments, as well as collaboration with state and federal partners.
“Good government isn’t about personalities or politics,” Hagan said. “It’s about trust, communication, and working together for the good of the whole community.”
He also said thoughtful economic development and long-term planning are critical as the County grows, noting the need to balance progress with preserving the area’s rural character.
“Leadership means thinking beyond the next election,” Hagan said. “It means planning ahead so our kids and grandkids can build their lives right here.”
When it comes to controversial or divisive issues, Hagan said he believes leaders must focus on what is best for the broader community, even when decisions are unpopular.
“You’re never going to please everybody,” he said. “But making decisions for the right reasons, and for the greater good, is always the right decision.”
Hagan has been married to his wife, Joanie, for 34 years. They have five children and six grandchildren, with two more on the way. He said his approach to public service is shaped by family, faith, and a strong belief in personal responsibility.
Are you a candidate? Here’s how to be featured.
If you’re planning to run for office in 2026, we want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] to set up an interview.
There’s no cost to be included. We believe voters deserve equal access to candidate information, and that begins with giving you space to share your vision.
