Democrats kept control of a state House seat in Fayette County Tuesday in a special election needed due to the unexpected death of freshman Rep. Lamin Swann last May at the age of 45.

In Tuesday’s special election to fill the remainder of Swann’s term which runs through 2024, political newcomer Adrielle Camuel defeated Republican Kyle Whalen, who lost to Swann by eight percentage points in 2022.

In unofficial results with 285 of 286 precincts reporting, Camuel had amassed 7,775 votes to 5,729 for Whalen.

The district is considered a Democratic stronghold.

Camuel is an administrative specialist with Fayette County Public Schools. She has been involved with the Democratic party for several years.

Whalen, of Back Construction, and Camuel were selected by their respective parties this summer to run in the special election to fill Swann’s unexpired term.

Kentucky House Democratic leaders Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts issued a statement saying: “We are proud to welcome Adrielle as our newest caucus member and know she will serve the 93rd House District and the entire commonwealth with distinction.? Her fierce commitment to public education, social justice and the needs of working Kentuckians make her an ideal fit to complete the term of our beloved colleague, Lamin Swann, whose passing in May devastated all of us.? There is no doubt that Adrielle will build on his considerable legacy and, in turn, create her own.