LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Council is getting seven new faces, all Republicans, moving the GOP within two seats of the majority.

Tuesday's election ousted several incumbents, trimming the Democratic majority on the council.

The victories trim the Democratic majority to 14 to 12 — the slimmest advantage since the legislative body began in 2003 after the city-county merger. 

Rick Caldwell, D-12, was elected in 2003 as one of the founding council members. He also served as council president. But in less than two months, another person will be sitting in his seat.  

“But there is going to be a huge effect, you know. Everyone's district is different.” said Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, D-1.

Cindi Fowler, D-14, who has served on the council since 2013, also lost her seat to Republicans. The third seat picked up by the GOP was District 24, held by Madonna Flood, who didn't seek reelection. 

"A wealth of knowledge will be leaving from the Democrat side, but also a wealth of new energy will be coming in with new ideas," Hawkins said. 

Jefferson County Republicans picked up seats in the southwestern part of the county, moving the minority party two seats away from an even split.  

“For the last several years it has felt like all of the emphasis, all the interest, all the conversation was around 264,” said Kevin Kramer, R-11.

Kramer, a one-time council president, said the change is driven, in part, by City Hall putting too much emphasis on the business district, the Highlands and Downtown.

“And there are folks that really wanted to feel connected to one another who want to recognize and understand that this government is for all of us, and just a very strong sense that's not the way government was being handled," he said.

The council is also getting a former state legislator, Kevin Bratcher, who is taking over a Republican seat from the south end of the county. The new council will be sworn into office Jan. 18. 

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