LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56/WKYT) – Clark County Judge-Executive Chris Pace has died due to complications from COVID-19.

Coroner Robert Gayheart said Pace died Thursday night at the Clark Regional Medical Center after battling the illness.

It is unclear if Pace had any underlying health conditions or what his vaccination status was.

He took office in 2019 and was considered a staunch Republican.

The Winchester Sun says that he was a political newcomer when he defeated the Democratic incumbent in 2018.

Just last week, Pace declared a state of emergency in Clark County for excessive flooding and was hoping to secure federal help.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.