(Each candidate who has officially filed to run for a seat in the 2026 primary has been sent a form to fill out and return to the Hendersonian.)
Name: Cooper Beck
Age: 20
Education: Henderson County High School Class of 2023; Henderson Area Nonprofit Development and Leadership Academy
Experience: Founder & Executive Director of Henderson KY Pride Inc.; Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Matthew 25 HIV/AIDS Services; Board Member at Leadership Everyone; Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission of Henderson County, KY; Strategic Partnerships & Corporate Liaison at Elevate Corporate & Career Services; civic engagement and advocacy leader.
Current Occupation: Executive Director, Henderson KY Pride Inc.
Strategic Partnerships & Corporate Liaison, Elevate Corporate & Career Services
Family: Son of Krista Beck & Edward Benson; Grandson of Pascal and Elaine Benson, Mary Johnston, and Wayne and Candy Beck
Why did you decide to run for this seat?
I’m running for City Commission because I believe Henderson’s future should be built with everyone in mind. As someone who grew up here and came back to serve, I know how much this community has to offer—and how much it can still become. I want to bring new energy to city leadership and ensure all residents, across every neighborhood, feel seen, heard, and included in our city’s growth. My campaign is about opportunity, access, and building a culture that includes everyone at the decision-making table.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for this seat?
A lifelong Hendersonian, nonprofit founder and leader, and community advocate, I bring a grounded understanding of our city’s strengths and challenges. As a young leader rooted in service and collaboration, I represent a new generation of public servants who believe in showing up, listening first, and building systems that create opportunity and belonging for every resident. My campaign focuses on creating neighborhoods where people feel safe and connected, growing a local economy that works for everyone, and ensuring city government is open, honest, and easy to reach.
What are your top priorities for the next term, if elected?
If elected, I’ll fight for a Henderson that is safe, inclusive, and built for everyone. I’ll advocate for Safe & Strong Neighborhoods by supporting fair pay for first responders, investing in reliable infrastructure like smooth sidewalks and working streetlights, and pushing for a public safety approach that includes public health. I’ll support Economic Growth & Opportunity by championing small businesses and entrepreneurs, working to create more pathways for local ventures to grow, and encouraging investment in high-potential neighborhoods. I’ll advocate for Youth Engagement by establishing a Youth Advisory Commission, supporting organizations that connect students to local employers, and helping young people see Henderson as a place to lead, invest, and build a future. I’ll work to strengthen Transparent & Accessible Government through neighborhood meetings, regular updates, and a public-friendly budget report. And I’ll push for Smart, Inclusive City Planning by expanding affordable housing, modernizing zoning, and ensuring community voices drive long-term strategy.
A final brief statement to support your candidacy:
I’m running because I believe in this city—because I’ve seen what’s possible when people come together to make it better. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know how to ask the right questions, actively listen, and do the work. Henderson raised me, and now I’m stepping up to help lead it forward. This campaign is about every neighbor who wants a safer block, every young person wondering if they have a future here, and every resident who’s ready for a local government that meets them where they are. I’m ready to serve, and I’d be honored to earn your vote.
