Name: Steve Gold
Party: Democratic Party
Age: 52
Education: Henderson County High School; University of Louisville (B.A.); University of Kentucky College of Law (J.D.); Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy (Executive Certificate)
Experience:
Legal: Over 27 years of practicing law in Henderson County, including 10 years of private practice; 4 years as a part-time Assistant County Attorney; and 17 years as County Attorney.
Nonprofit organizations: Leadership positions with the Henderson Lions Club (past President), the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson (Fidler Family Unit) (Co-Founder & Trustee), Kentucky YMCA Youth Association (board member), and the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival (past Chairman.)
Professional organizations and boards: Kentucky County Attorneys Association (past President), Kentucky Juvenile Justice Oversight Council, Kentucky Association of Counties (past board member), Henderson County Bar Association (board member), and various other Supreme Court and Kentucky Bar Association Committees.
Church: First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ (Elder)
Current Occupation: Full-time County Attorney, meaning that I have no private law practice and dedicate my full attention to serving this county.
Family: My wife, Holly, and I have two children, Meredith and Nate. My parents, Steve & Elaine Gold, and my in-laws, Jerry & Youlanda Coffman, each live in Henderson. We have a large extended family of which we are very proud.
Why did you decide to run for re-election?
My campaign will be centered on public safety, crime prevention, and a lifelong commitment to better outcomes for local children. The decision to run again reflects both my love for the work and my belief that the office plays a critical role in shaping the future of our community. Every day, I get to work with a caring, dedicated team that helps families get loved ones into treatment, collects support for kids, seeks justice for victims, pursues firm but fair outcomes for offenders, helps families get guardianship for elderly and disabled loved ones, protects children from abuse and neglect, manages county legal matters, creates tax payment plans to help people keep their homes and so much more. It is challenging, 24/7 work, but it touches nearly every family in Henderson County one way or another. It has the ability to make real, meaningful change in the lives of the people we serve. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but more importantly, I’m excited about where we’re headed and finding new ways to help local families.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for this seat?
My proven leadership both locally and statewide along with my track record of positive results make me uniquely suited to continue serving as your County Attorney. Looking at what we’ve accomplished, I see proof that thoughtful, collaborative justice works, but I also see upcoming challenges that demand experience and steady leadership. Our office’s success in reducing crime, expanding access to substance abuse treatment, and improving transparency and accountability in county government is evidence that we’re on the right track. Since taking office in 2008, there has been a reduction of juvenile delinquency cases (-61%), misdemeanor criminal cases (-56%), and felony cases (-17%) filed in the Henderson District Court. Our office has been frequently cited as a model for others in the ways we approach financial education for offenders, firmly responding to juvenile crime, traffic diversion programs, and other smart approaches to public safety. By continuing to innovate with programs such as the new District Court Advocate position in collaboration with The Beacon of West Kentucky, I’m committed to ensuring that Henderson County keeps leading the way.
What are your top priorities for the next term, if elected?
Strengthening partnerships with other players in the justice system will be a central priority, particularly in addressing youth gun violence, substance abuse, and domestic violence. These are some of the most urgent challenges facing our community. Effective responses require coordination and shared responsibility across agencies. Our office will continue to emphasize both accountability and prevention by holding offenders responsible while working proactively to prevent young people from becoming involved in violence or the justice system in the first place.
I am committed to keeping our office transparent, accessible, and responsive to the public. Over the next term, we will continue expanding our victim advocacy services, strengthening treatment-focused responses to addiction and mental health challenges, and fight for swift, appropriate responses when serious crimes occur ensuring the justice system remains firm, fair, and compassionate.
A final brief statement to support your candidacy.
If I am blessed to continue serving, my promise is simple: I will keep showing up every day, working hard alongside a dedicated team, and doing everything I can to make Henderson County safer, stronger, and more just for everyone who calls it home.
