Lexington, Kentucky, February 4, 2026
Tom Eblen has been appointed as the new 3rd District council member for Lexington, Kentucky, after the resignation of Hannah LeGris. Mayor Linda Gorton appointed Eblen, who brings extensive experience in journalism and community engagement, to serve the remaining term until December 2026. The 3rd District includes much of the urban core and the University of Kentucky campus, highlighting its vibrant community.
Lexington, Kentucky
Tom Eblen has been sworn in as the new 3rd District council member for Lexington, Kentucky, following the resignation of former council member Hannah LeGris.
Appointment and Swearing-In
On February 3, 2026, Mayor Linda Gorton appointed Tom Eblen to fill the vacant 3rd District council seat. Eblen was sworn in during a ceremony at the Lexington Government Center. He will serve the remaining 11 months of LeGris’s term, which concludes in December 2026. After this term, Eblen has the option to seek reelection.
Background of Tom Eblen
Tom Eblen is a longtime Lexington resident and former journalist. He worked for the Lexington Herald-Leader from 1998 to 2019, serving as the newspaper’s managing editor from 1998 to 2008 and as a metro/state columnist from 2008 to 2019. Eblen is currently employed as a contract employee for the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.
District 3 Overview
The 3rd District encompasses much of Lexington’s urban core, including the University of Kentucky campus. This area is known for its vibrant community and diverse population.
Recent Council Changes
Hannah LeGris, the previous council member for District 3, resigned last month to take a full-time position with the city government as Lexington’s first access and engagement officer.
Looking Ahead
With Eblen’s appointment, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council continues its work to address the needs and concerns of the city’s residents. Eblen’s extensive background in journalism and community engagement is expected to bring valuable perspectives to the council’s deliberations.
About the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is the governing body of Lexington, Kentucky, consisting of 12 members elected from districts to two-year terms, and three members elected at-large to four-year terms. The council operates on a nonpartisan basis, focusing on addressing local issues and representing the interests of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Tom Eblen?
Tom Eblen is a longtime Lexington resident and former journalist who has been appointed to serve as the 3rd District council member for Lexington, Kentucky. He worked for the Lexington Herald-Leader from 1998 to 2019 and is currently employed as a contract employee for the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.
What is the 3rd District in Lexington?
The 3rd District encompasses much of Lexington’s urban core, including the University of Kentucky campus. This area is known for its vibrant community and diverse population.
Why did Hannah LeGris resign?
Hannah LeGris resigned last month to take a full-time position with the city government as Lexington’s first access and engagement officer.
What is the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council?
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is the governing body of Lexington, Kentucky, consisting of 12 members elected from districts to two-year terms, and three members elected at-large to four-year terms. The council operates on a nonpartisan basis, focusing on addressing local issues and representing the interests of the community.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointee | Tom Eblen |
| Position | 3rd District Council Member |
| Appointed By | Mayor Linda Gorton |
| Term Duration | 11 months, through December 2026 |
| Previous Council Member | Hannah LeGris |
| District Area | Urban core of Lexington, including the University of Kentucky campus |
| Council Structure | 12 district members (2-year terms), 3 at-large members (4-year terms) |
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The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
