Louisville Democrats nominate Gary Clemons for vacant Kentucky Senate seat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Democratic Party has announced its nominee for Kentucky's vacant 37th District Senate seat.

The LDP said in a news release on Sunday its nominating committee has unanimously selected Gary Clemons as the Democratic nominee in the upcoming Special Election for District 37's Senate seat.

The Senate seat was recently vacated by David Yates, who was appointed by Mayor Craig Greenberg to fill the role following longtime clerk Bobbie Holsclaw's death in September.

Clemons is a long-time resident of Louisville's South End, a graduate of Valley High School, a U.S. Army veteran, and President of United Steelworkers Local 1693, representing more than 200 workers at American Synthetic Rubber Company in Rubbertown, where he has worked since 1996, the news release said.

"I’ve spent my life working alongside the people who keep Louisville running — in factories, in unions, and in neighborhoods," Clemons said in the release. "Working families deserve a voice in Frankfort that understands their struggles and will fight for their future."

The Special Election in Kentucky’s 37th Senate District is Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. Residents in Senate District 37 are encouraged to register to vote by clicking here. You must be registered to vote by Nov. 17, 2025 at 4 p.m. to vote in the Special Election.

A spokesperson with the Jefferson County Republican Party said they have finalized the candidates, and hope to announce a nominee this week.

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