Dixon announces candidacy for McCracken Commonwealth Attorney

Former McCracken District and Court of Appeals Judge Donna Dixon announced her candidacy Monday for the Republican nomination to become Commonwealth’s Attorney in McCracken County. 

Dixon recently retired after serving 27 years in the judiciary. 

Prior to her tenure on the bench, Dixon twice served in the McCracken Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office where she prosecuted numerous felony offenses before juries. 

Dixon seeks to be the first woman elected to the office in McCracken County.

In a statement Dixon said, “I am excited about this new chapter and challenge. Prosecuting criminal felony offenses is a serious matter. As a former assistant felony prosecutor in McCracken County, it would be an honor to become the county’s first woman elected Commonwealth’s Attorney. 

While on the bench—or, like you, simply reading the news—I have become increasingly concerned about the lack of accountability of criminal defendants. Criminal acts deserve criminal consequences. Nationally we’ve seen businesses closing their doors because of perpetrators who steal without consequence.

The national problem of Fentanyl has reached home. We’ve all seen accounts of increasing numbers of kids dying from drugs unknowingly laced with Fentanyl. Equally concerning is the rising percentage of women and children who are victims of rape, sexual assault, harassment, and abuse in our Commonwealth. 

As a former prosecutor, I recognize how difficult it is to obtain any semblance of justice for these victims. Having close family members who have been victimized, I know firsthand the harmful effects of such trauma can prove lifelong for victims. 

More must be done to address these issues. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated what was already a troubling trend.

If elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, I will dedicate myself to the search for solutions to these crises. I will seek grants to combat these crimes and to prevent our kids from becoming victims, searching for innovative programs to bring into our schools. 

Prevention is key. While a judge, I was prohibited from discussing these important issues; to do so required the difficult decision toretire from the bench. However, if only one person—one child—is protected, every hour expended and every dime spent will have been worth it.

Finally, I am grateful that former McCracken County Sheriffs Jon Hayden and Matt Carter have endorsed me in this election.

Having worked closely with both, their faith in me is humbling. If elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, this office will be devoted to holding all criminal defendants accountable for their actions. 

I pray the citizens of McCracken County will allow me the opportunity to make a positive impact upon our community. Perpetrators should be put on notice, if you commit a crime in McCracken County, we will be coming for you.