Democrat Gary Clemons wins special election to fill Kentucky Senate seat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Democrat Gary Clemons won Tuesday's special election in Jefferson County to fill a vacant Kentucky Senate Seat.

Clemons was facing off against Republican Calvin Leach and Libertarian Wendy Higdon for the state's 37th District seat, which covers the area west of the airport, south of Shively and north of Valley Station.

Clemons, a south Louisville native, is a U.S. Army veteran and president of United Steelworkers Local 1693, which represents workers at Louisville's American Synthetic Rubber Company.

"My life experience reflects that of so many in the South End," Clemons said in a statement. "I've served as an Army Reservist, and for nearly two decades as a union leader — those experiences have shaped my leadership and my commitment to service. I understand the struggles of veterans and working families because I've lived with them, and I am ready to take that same fight to Frankfort."

The 37th District seat opened up after David Yates was appointed Jefferson County clerk following the death of longtime clerk Bobbie Holsclaw.

Clemons will be sworn in on the first day of the 2026 legislative session to serve out the remainder of Yates’ term. According to the Kentucky Democratic Party, Clemons is the first union leader elected to Kentucky's General Assembly.

To learn more about the special election, click here.

This story may be updated.

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