David Ermold, an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Pikeville and Director of Administration for Morehead Pride, Inc., announced his candidacy for Rowan County Clerk Wednesday in Morehead. Ermold filed to run in the Democratic primary.

"I want to do it the right way. Sometimes passion gets the better of you, and that’s OK. Sometimes have to fight for your rights, and you have to be an activist. But sometimes you have to be a professional as well and step in when you know you are needed," Ermold said.

Ermold was one of the men denied a marriage license in 2015 by current County Clerk, Kim Davis, who refused to issue licenses citing religious opposition to same-sex marriages.

Davis spent five days in jail over her refusal to issue licenses. Same-sex marriages were ruled legal nationwide following a Supreme Court case that same year.

After the announcement, Ermold and Moore, who will be acting as the campaign treasurer, went to Davis’ office to file their paperwork.

Davis, who has held the position since 2014, has said she plans to run for re-election. Davis helped her opponent ensure all of his forms were complete before shaking Ermold’s hand when they were done.

"May the best candidate win," she said.

While Davis would only comment that it was now up to the voters to decide, her attorney, Matt Staver, said Ermold’s candidacy was irrelevant.

“He doesn’t understand the office and the clerk’s office is more than marriage licenses,” he said. “Kim Davis is not concerned at all. He can make his statement by running, but I don’t think he has any chance.”

Three other candidates have also announced plans to run for the Democratic primary in Rowan County, James Jessee, Elwood Caudill and Nashia Fife.