Author

McKenna Horsley

McKenna Horsley

McKenna Horsley covers state politics for the Kentucky Lantern. She previously worked for newspapers in Huntington, West Virginia, and Frankfort, Kentucky. She is from northeastern Kentucky.

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

House Democratic Whip Rachel Roberts to not seek reelection

By: - December 20, 2023

Another member of Kentucky House Democratic leadership announced she will not seek reelection Wednesday.? In a statement, House Minority Whip Rachel Roberts, said she will not run for her seat again in 2024 and added that her decision was “the right one for me and my family” after months of deliberation.?? “Serving those who live […]

Republican Jonathan Dixon not seeking reelection to Kentucky House

By: - December 20, 2023

Republican Rep. Jonathan Dixon, of Corydon, will not seek reelection in the Kentucky House, he announced Wednesday.? Dixon, who was first elected in 2020, plans to finish the remainder of his term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2024. He is the vice chair of the House Transportation Committee “I am incredibly grateful to the people […]

Running on empathy: Beshear looks back on campaign successes, ahead to next legislature

By: - December 19, 2023

FRANKFORT — Democrat Andy Beshear said he’s hopeful his relationship with the Republican-dominated legislature will improve now that he’s unable to run again for governor and lawmakers no longer have to worry about giving wins to a political rival. “With me being term-limited, hopefully people don’t worry about a win or a loss for me,” […]

Louisville’s Herron announces run for state Senate

By: - December 19, 2023

State Rep. Keturah Herron, a Louisville Democrat, filed Tuesday to run for election to the Kentucky Senate in 2024.? Herron will seek the seat of Sen. Denise Harper Angel, another Louisville Democrat who recently announced she will not seek reelection in 2024 after representing Senate District 35 since 2005.? Herron said in a statement about […]

Ahead of filing deadline, candidates sign election paperwork to run for office

By: - December 15, 2023

FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s candidate filing deadline is next month.? So far, many have already signed papers seeking the Kentucky General Assembly and U.S. Congress. To appear on the primary election ballot, candidates must register by Jan. 5, 2024.? Next year, Kentucky voters will decide who will represent them in Frankfort and Washington D.C. and in […]

Louisville GOP anti-crime bill heard in interim committee ahead of legislative session

By: - December 15, 2023

A sweeping anti-crime bill backed by several Louisville GOP lawmakers got its first committee hearing Friday.? Since unveiled in September, the proposal has undergone several changes, said primary sponsor, Rep. Jared Bauman. Provisions removed include establishing a Kentucky State Police Post in Jefferson County and creating a statewide wiretapping law for police officers, but the […]

‘On the tip of the spear,’ Thayer will stay active in GOP politics, see what universe ‘brings me’

By: - December 15, 2023

FRANKFORT — Heading into his final legislative session, Senate Republican Floor Leader Damon Thayer said Thursday he’s not planning to sponsor any legislation right now, but a constitutional amendment for “school choice” would be a priority for him.? He also is interested in an anti-crime package, called the Safer Kentucky Act, being backed by Louisville […]

Beshear calls for an amendment on redistricting though passing it would be ‘challenging’

By: - December 14, 2023

After the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed redrawn congressional and legislative districts Thursday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear said a constitutional amendment should be pursued but noted it would be “challenging” to pass through the General Assembly.? Beshear, a Democrat, said in his weekly press conference Thursday afternoon that he had not read the entire 78-page opinion […]

Kentucky Supreme Court affirms voting districts in gerrymandering challenge

By: - December 14, 2023

Kentucky’s recently redrawn congressional and legislative districts? will stand for future elections.? In an opinion published Thursday morning, the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate’s previous decision that the maps were a result of? “partisan gerrymanders” but did not find them unconstitutional.? “Regardless of how unusual or eye-raising it may be, we […]

Georgetown’s Phillip Pratt will not seek reelection to Kentucky House in 2024

By: - December 13, 2023

A four-term member of the Kentucky House will not seek reelection in 2024. Rep. Phillip Pratt, R-Georgetown, said in a press release that he appreciated the “opportunity to serve Scott County in the Kentucky House of Representatives.” Pratt will serve in the upcoming 2024 regular session beginning in January. His term ends at the end […]

Beshear speaks of unity and hope over hate in second inaugural speech

By: - December 12, 2023

FRANKFORT — Standing in front of Kentucky’s Capitol, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday spoke of hope and unity for the next four years.? Beshear and Lt.? Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, who? were inaugurated for the second time, highlighted in their addresses the accomplishments of their first term, stressing economic development, and honored Kentuckians who overcame […]

Judge rules Kentucky’s charter school law unconstitutional

By: - December 11, 2023

A Franklin Circuit Court judge on Monday struck down a law allowing charter schools in Kentucky, ahead of an expected effort in next year’s legislature to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would allow public money to be spent on private schools. Judge Phillip Shepherd declared 2022’s House Bill 9 unconstitutional in a […]