Killian Baarlaer, Courier Journal
In December 1968, Edith Stanley was appointed Jefferson County attorney after E.P. Sawyer, her former boss, left the post to fill a vacancy as Jefferson County judge-executive. Her appointment made her the first woman to lead the office, according to archived Courier Journal reports.
In October 2025, David James was appointed Jefferson County sheriff following the death of longtime Sheriff John Aubrey. His appointment made him Jefferson County's first Black sheriff.
Both appointees were tasked with serving the remainder of their predecessor's term, roughly a year in each case.
Now, the milestones first attained by interim officials have been reached by elected officials.
On Nov. 3, Jefferson County voters made history by electing Sarah Martin, the first woman elected county attorney, and Stephen Yancey, the county's first elected Black sheriff.
The two Democrats will be sworn into office in early January.
"The Louisville Democratic Party has stood proudly behind Stephen Yancey for Sheriff and Sarah Martin for County Attorney, who both reflect Louisville's strength of diversity. As the first Black elected-Sheriff and first woman County Attorney for Jefferson County, we know that Sheriff Yancey and County Attorney Martin will deliver high-quality services to all Jefferson County residents while proudly representing the values of the Democratic Party," Louisville Democratic Party Chair Blake Gerstner said in a statement.
Both candidates, while recognizing the significance of their achievements, say their identities don't change their qualifications and missions.
Martin, a native of Ashland, Kentucky, defeated Karl Price in the Democratic primary in May, clearing her path to an uncontested general election.
Martin's election lines her up to succeed Mike O'Connell, who has served as Jefferson County attorney since 2008 and announced his retirement in 2025. Martin has served as an assistant county attorney throughout O'Connell's tenure and was one of the first staff members he hired upon taking office. She currently serves as director of the office's Civil Division.
With Martin's election, both of Jefferson County's prosecuting offices will now be led by women. The Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney Office, which prosecutes felonies, is led by Gerina Whethers – the first Black woman to take on that role.
"It's about time that the community has their two lead prosecutors being headed by women," Martin said, adding, "I've worked for the office for 18 years, and so I was also just the most experienced candidate."
The Jefferson County Attorney's Office serves as legal counsel to Louisville Metro Government. It also prosecutes misdemeanor crimes and handles child support cases. As Martin transitions into the role, early changes she plans to make include a new website for the office and updated prosecution guidelines.
