Lianna Simpson Nguyen, a Florence business owner and Democrat, is running for Boone County Commission District 2 in the Nov. 3 general election.
Nguyen said she is seeking office to continue advocacy work she began outside government. She pointed to her role in passing Kentucky Senate Bill 14, a bipartisan beauty-industry law signed in 2024, and her appointment to a state board as evidence she can deliver results.
She faces off in November against Republican Sen. John Schickel.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Residence: Florence, KY (since 2012); born in Louisville
- Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology; completed educational hours in real estate and as a nail instructor
- Family: First in her family to enter politics; has family in Louisville, Northern Kentucky, Arizona and Denver
Experience and public service
Nguyen owns what she describes as Northern Kentucky's first state-certified nail trade school, located on Mall Road in Florence. She said she has graduated more than 100 students who went on to earn licensure in Kentucky, and some became small business owners.
She is also a licensed real estate agent in Kentucky and Ohio.
In 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear appointed Nguyen to the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology to represent private beauty schools. She serves as vice chair. She said the board has updated communications for licensees, revised regulations and added new initiatives.
Nguyen said she helped advocate for Senate Bill 14, which was signed into law in 2024 with bipartisan support. She said she visited people across Kentucky and traveled to Frankfort starting in fall 2023 to speak on behalf of the beauty community about changes needed in the industry.
On the issues
Data centers: Nguyen said Boone County should restrict data centers, including a moratorium near homes. She said she does not want residents paying more for electricity, water and other utilities because of large-scale data centers. She also cited noise concerns. "This is my firm stance on data centers," she said in her questionnaire response.
Growth and public input: Nguyen said all major development proposals should be publicly announced and open to community participation. She said leaders should listen to residents and provide clear, honest answers. She noted that if eminent domain is used, landowners need clear communication and alternative options should be discussed publicly.
Land use and development: Nguyen told WVXU that repurposing existing structures, such as abandoned buildings, should be the priority. "If we're going to build something new we have to be intentional," she said.
Small business and workforce: Nguyen said the county should host more events to showcase small businesses and create networking opportunities. She suggested partnering with local unions and organizing job fairs for younger residents interested in trades. She said results should be tracked and published online for the community.
The general election is Nov. 3.
