Babbage Bulletin: Primary Elections TOMORROW
Kentucky's Primary Elections are Tuesday, May 21
Derby season may be in the rearview, but several primary races across the state are coming down to the wire as Democrats and Republicans across the Commonwealth head to the polls this Tuesday, May 21 for the 2024 Primary Election.
Many of the contentious races are in the Republican party, a testament to their supermajorities in both chambers. Therein, several prominent House and Senate GOP incumbents are facing off against their right flank – “liberty” and "constitutional" candidates who emphasize support for limited government.
In the Senate, just 7 of 19 seats have primaries. Among them are Health Committee Chair Stephen Meredith (R-Leitchfield), Agriculture Committee Chair Jason Howell (R-Murray), and Minority Leader Gerald Neal (D-Louisville).
In the other chamber, 34 elections will determine who makes it to the ballot in November. Health Committee Chair Kim Moser (R-Taylor Mill), Agriculture Committee Chair Richard Heath (R-Mayfield), and Banking and Insurance Committee Chair Michael Meredith (R-Oakland) all face off against challengers tomorrow.
Across both chambers, 19 seats are set to be open with legislative departures.
In total, 192 Kentuckians filed for the chance to win a seat in the state House; 37 filed in the state Senate. Left uncontested were 40 house districts (34R – 6D) and 8 senate districts (5R – 3D).
Races to Watch
Senate District 1 - GOP Primary
Candidates: Jason Howell*, Lynn Bechler
In his first bid for re-election, Howell faces off against former state rep. Lynn Bechler – an unsuccessful bidder for re-election in 2022 after re-districting pitted him against a fellow GOP member of the House. Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee since 2023, Howell has worked on rural economic development opportunities in the Jackson Purchase area, including a veterinarian school at Murray State. Bechler meanwhile has referenced legislative rankings from organizations like CPAC rating him the 'better' conservative.
Senate District 5 - GOP Primary
Candidates: Stephen Meredith*, Thomas Ballinger
Now seeking a third term, Senate Health Committee Chair Stephen Meredith faces his first-ever primary as the incumbent. Thomas Ballinger, a newcomer, touts his experience as a veteran and accuses Meredith of being an 'establishment' legislator.
Senate District 7 - GOP Primary
Candidates: Adrienne Southworth*, Aaron Reed, Ed Gallrein
First-term incumbent Adrienne Southworth of Lawrenceburg is in a three-way race with Aaron Reed and Ed Gallrein, both of Shelbyville. Leading in fundraising is Gallrein, whose $160k in donations includes funds from Senate President Robert Stivers and Secretary of State Michael Adams. With much of her original district drawn out, the oft-vocal Southworth's antagonizing of her fellow GOP caucus members may come back to hurt her.
Senate District 17 - GOP Primary
Candidates: Julia Jaddock, Matthew Nunn
In the race to replace outgoing Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, who has been in office since 2003, Julia Jaddock faces Matthew Nunn. Nunn, who's endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce and has received a max donation from Thayer's campaign fund, is a Georgetown small business owner. Jaddock, a former teacher and business owner, evokes libertarian values and seeks to prioritize getting the public more involved with the Frankfort legislative process.
Senate District 33 - DEM Primary
Candidates: Gerald Neal*, Attica Scott, Michael Churchill
Senate Minority Leader Gerald Neal faces off against former state rep. Attica Scott and political newcomer Michael Churchill. Scott, who failed to advance in the 2022 primary to replace then Congressmen John Yarmuth, has argued new voices are needed in office as Neal seeks his 10th term.
House District 2 - GOP Primary
Candidates: Richard Heath*, Kimberly Holloway
Promising to continue to use his experience and seniority in Frankfort for the betterment of the district, Richard Heath has built his case for re-election through several accomplishments, including securing millions in recovery funding for downtown Mayfield. His opponent meanwhile is calling for a change of guard as Holloway claims Heath has not done enough for the interests of the local community.
House District 45 - GOP Primary
Candidates: Killian Timoney*, Thomas Jefferson
Incumbent Rep. Killian Timoney, an educator known for his moderate Republican takes, faces opposition on the right flank from retired businessman Thomas Jefferson. With the endorsement of the Jessamine County Republicans, Jefferson is hoping to win the politically purple district which went for former president Trump in 2020 and Governor Andy Beshear in 2023.
House District 66 - GOP Primary
Candidates: Ed Massey, TJ Roberts
Two years after losing in the 66th district primary, former state rep. Ed Massey is looking to get the seat back as current occupant Steve Rawlings left it open while he makes a bid for the State Senate. He faces TJ Roberts who with the endorsement of the Boone County GOP has overcome some otherwise controversial far-right takes. Both contenders have taken to attacking the other on personal matters rather than policy issues in what has become an expensive primary.
House District 76 - DEM Primary
Candidates: Anne Gay Donworth, James ‘Jamie’ Palumbo, Joshua Daniel Buckman
With the retirement of longtime member Ruth Ann Palumbo, who is not running for the first time in more than 30 years, another House seat has opened up. Palumbo's son, James, is looking to keep the seat in the family name and continue her legacy of working for underserved communities. He faces Donworth, a native Lexingtonian who has helped transform the local library system, and Buckman, a medical social worker looking to bring the patient voice to Frankfort.
List of All Races by Chamber, District
(Incumbent underlined)
Senate
1st District – GOP Primary: Jason Howell v. Lynn Bechler
3rd District – NO PRIMARY: Candidate Craig Richardson (GOP) advances in no-competition
5th District – GOP Primary: Stephen Meredith v. Thomas Ballinger
Winner faces Jamie Skudlarek (DEM) in November
7th District – GOP Primary: Adrienne Southworth v. Aaron Reed v. Ed Gallrein
Winner faces Rhonda Davis (DEM) in November
9th District – NO PRIMARY: David Givens (GOP) v. Karen Pennington (DEM) in November
11th District – GOP Primary:
Duane Froelicher v. Steve RawlingsWinner advances without a November challenger
13th District: Reggie Thomas (DEM) in no-competition
15th District: Rick Girdler (GOP) in no-competition
17th District – GOP Primary:
Julia Jaddock v. Matthew NunnWinner faces Kiana Fields (DEM) in November
19th District: Cassie Chambers Armstrong (DEM) in no-competition
21st District: Brandon Storm (GOP) in no-competition
23rd – NO Primary: Chris McDaniel (GOP) v. Jennifer Sierra in November
25th District: Robert Stivers (GOP) in no-competition
27th – NO Primary: Stephen West (GOP) vs. Molly Crain (DEM) in November
29th District – GOP Primary: Johnnie Turner v. Randy Thompson v. Shawn Gilley
Winner faces Ray “David” Suhr (IND) in November
31st District: Phillip Wheeler (GOP) in no-competition
33rd District – DEM Primary: Gerald Neal v. Attica Scott v. Michael Churchill
Winner advances without a November challenger
35th District: Candidate Keturah Herron (DEM), a current State Representative, advances in no-competition
37th – NO Primary: David Yates (DEM) v. Calvin Leach (GOP) in November
House
1st: Steven Rudy (GOP) in no-competition
2nd – GOP: Richard Heath v. Kimberly Holloway
Winner advances without a November challenger
3rd – NO Primary: Randy Bridges (GOP) v. Carrie Singler (DEM)
4th – NO Primary: Wade Williams (GOP) v. Lloyd Smith (DEM)
5th – NO Primary: Mary Beth Imes (GOP) v. Lauren Hines (DEM)
6th: Chris Freeland (GOP) in no-competition
7th: Suzanne Miles (GOP) in no-competition
8th: Walker Thomas (GOP) in no-competition
9th – NO Primary: Myron Dossett (GOP) v. Twyla Dillard (DEM)
10th – GOP: Josh Calloway v. Julie Cantwell
Winner advances without a November challenger
11th: Candidate JT Payne (GOP) advances in no-competition
12th – NO Primary: Jim Gooch (GOP) v. Alton Ayer (DEM)
13th: DJ Johnson (GOP) in no-competition
14th – NO Primary: Scott Lewis (GOP) v. Chanda Garner (DEM)
15th: Rebecca Raymer (GOP) in no-competition
16th: Jason Petrie (GOP) in no-competition
17th: Robert Duvall (GOP) in no-competition
18th: Samara Heavrin (GOP) in no-competition
19th – GOP: Michael Meredith v. Kelcey Rock
Winner advances without a November challenger
20th: Kevin Jackson (GOP) in no-competition
21st – NO Primary: Amy Neighbors (GOP) v. Jeffrey Humble (DEM)
22nd: Shawn McPherson (GOP) in no-competition
23rd: Steve Riley (GOP) in no-competition
24th – GOP: Ryan Bevins v. Asa L. T. Waggoner
Winner faces Johnny Pennington (DEM) in November
25th – NO Primary: Steve Bratcher (GOP) v. Cherlyn Smith (DEM)
26th: Candidate Peyton Grifee (GOP) advances in no-competition
27th – NO Primary: Nancy Tate (GOP) v. Tyler Chapman (DEM)
28th – NO Primary: Jared Bauman (GOP) v. Almaria Baker (DEM
29th – DUAL Primaries:
GOP: Wyatt Allison v. Chris Lewis v. Debbie Peden
DEM: Ricky Santiago v. Matthew Pfaadt v. Timothy Findley
30th – DEM: Daniel Grossberg v. Mitra Subedi
Winner advances without a November challenger
31st – DEM: Colleen Orsella Davis v. Carma Bell Marshall
Winner faces Susan Tyler Witten (GOP) in November
32nd: Tina Bojanowski (DEM) in no-competition
33rd: Jason Nemes (GOP) in no-competition
34th: Sarah Stalker (DEM) in no-competition
35th: Lisa Wilner (DEM) in no-competition
36th – DEM: Colin Daugherty McDowell v. William ‘Woody’ Zorn
Winner faces John Hodgson (GOP) in November
37th – NO Primary: Emily Callaway (GOP) v. John Stovall
38th – NO Primary: Rachel Roarx (DEM) v. Carrie Sanders McKeehan (GOP)
39th – NO Primary: Matt Lockett (GOP) v. Ryan Stanford (DEM)
40th – DEM: Nima Kulkarni v. William Zeitz
Winner advances without a November challenger
41st – DEM: Mary Lou Marzian v. William ‘Rick’ Adams
Winner faces Sara-Elizabeth Cottrell (GOP) in November
42nd –DEM: Jonathan Musselwhite v. Jack Walker v. Joshua Watkins
Winner advances without a November challenger
43rd: Pamela Stevenson (DEM) in no-competition
44th – DEM: Beverly Chester-Burton v. Daniel Deshawn Cockrell v. Shreeta Waldon
Winner advances without a November challenger
45th – GOP: Killian Timoney v. Thomas Jefferson
Winner faces Adam Moore (DEM) in November
46th – NO Primary: Al Gentry (DEM) v. Bob DeVore
47th – GOP: Felicia Rabourn v. Mark Gilkinson
Winner faces Robb Adams (DEM) in November
48th – DEM: Kate Farrow v. Debbie Wesslund
Winner faces Ken Fleming (GOP) in November
49th – GOP: Thomas Huff v. William Harned
Winner advances without a November challenger
50th – GOP: Candy Massaroni v. Andy Stone
Winner advances without a November challenger
51st : Michael 'Sarge' Pollock (GOP) in no-competition
52nd: Ken Upchurch (GOP) in no-competition
53rd: James Tipton (GOP) in no-competition
54th: Dan Elliott (GOP) in no-competition
55th – NO Primary: Kim King (GOP) v. Katrina Sexton (DEM)
56th – DEM: Chantel Bingham v. Dencia Miche Branscum
Winner faces Dan Fister (GOP) in November
57th – DEM: Erica Marie Hancock v. Kristie Powe
Winner faces Kyle Thompson (GOP) in November
58th – NO Primary: Jennifer Decker (GOP) v. Richard Henderson (DEM)
59th: David Osborne (GOP) in no-competition
60th – GOP: Marianne Proctor (GOP) v. Christopher Pavese
Winner faces Deborah Ison Flowers (DEM) in November
61st – GOP: Savannah Maddox v. Jarrod Lykins
Winner advances without a November challenger
62nd – GOP: Bill Parker v. Tony Hampton –
Winner faces Kevin Kidwell (DEM) in November
63rd: Kim Banta (GOP) in no-competition
64th – GOP: Kim Moser (GOP) v. Karen Campbell
Winner faces Heather Crabbe (DEM) in November
65th – NO Primary: Stephanie Dietz (GOP) v. Aaron Currin (DEM)
66th – GOP: Ed Massey v. TJ RobertsWinner faces Peggy Houston-Nienaber (DEM) in November
67th – GOP: Brian Ormes v. Terry Hatton –
Winner faces Matthew Lehman (DEM) in November
68th – NO Primary: Mike Clines (GOP) v. K. Brandon Long (DEM)
69th – GOP: Steven Doan v. Diane Brown –
Winner faces Wilanne Stangel (DEM) in November
70th – William Lawrence (GOP) in no-competition
71st – NO Primary: Josh Bray (GOP) v. Rachelle Riddle (DEM)
72nd – Matthew Koch (GOP) in no-competition
73rd – Ryan Dotson (GOP) in no-competition
74th – David Hale (GOP) in no-competition
75th – Lindsey Burke (DEM) in no-competition
76th – DEM: Anne Gay Donworth v. James ‘Jamie’ Palumbo v. Joshua Daniel Buckman
Winner advances without a November challenger
77th –DEM: George Brown Jr. v. Daniel Whitley
Winner faces Jason Griffith (GOP) in November
78th – Mark Hart (GOP) in no-competition
79th – Chad Aull (DEM) in no-competition
80th – David Meade (GOP) in no-competition
81st –Deanna Frazier Gordon (GOP) in no-competition
82nd – Nick Wilson (GOP) in no-competition
83rd –Josh Branscum (GOP) in no-competition
84th – NO Primary:Chris Fugate (GOP) v. Zackary H. Hall (DEM)
85th – Shane Baker (GOP) in no-competition
86th – GOP: Tom Smith v. Billy Taylor
Winner advances without a November challenger
87th – Adam Bowling (GOP) in no-competition
88th – NO Primary:Cherlynn Stevenson (DEM) v. Vanessa Grossl (GOP)
89th – GOP:Timmy Truett v. Idalia Holland
Winner advances without a November challenger
90th – Derek Lewis (GOP) in no-competition
91st – GOP:Bill Wesley v. Darrell Billings
Winner advances without a November challenger
92nd – John Blanton (GOP) in no-competition
93rd – DEM:Adrielle Camuel v. Sarah Ritter
Winner advances without a November challenger
94th – Candidate Mitchum Addison Whitaker (GOP) advances in no-competition
95th – GOP: David Pennington v. Brandon Spencer
Winner faces Ashley Tackett Lafferty (DEM) in November
96th – Patrick Flannery (GOP) in no-competition
97th – Bobby McCool (GOP) in no-competition
98th – DEM: Joe Virgin v. Tammie Womack v. James Reneau v. Shawn Lawrence Assar
Winner faces Aaron Thompson (GOP) in November
99th – Richard White (GOP) in no-competition
100th – Scott Sharp (GOP) in no-competition
