Louisville Democrats have chosen a candidate to replace former Kentucky Senate Democratic Whip David Yates.
The Louisville Democratic Party selected Gary Clemons, the president of the Steelworkers Local 1693, to run in a special election to fill the vacant seat in the 37th Senate District.
In a Monday statement about Clemons’ nomination, the local party said he was selected unanimously by the nominating committee.
“We are thrilled to have Gary representing Democrats in Senate District 37,” said Logan Gatti, the chair of the Louisville Democratic Party. “Gary is exactly the kind of leader Kentucky needs — grounded, community-driven and unafraid to fight for working families. He brings a wealth of experience, compassion and common sense to the table.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg appointed Yates to serve an unexpired term as Jefferson County clerk earlier this month, following the death of Republican Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw. Yates had declared candidacy for that office earlier this year.
Clemons also quickly received the backing of the Kentucky Democratic Party. Chairman Colmon Elridge issued a statement Monday morning in support of the union leader.
“The Democratic Party has always been the party of working people and Gary Clemons is uniquely qualified to go fight for our families in the General Assembly,” Eldridge said. “At a time when too many Kentuckians are feeling the effects of a Republican-created cost-of-living and health care crisis, Gary’s decades of advocacy for fair wages, fair treatment and a more affordable life for working families will mean Louisvillians won’t just have a representative in Frankfort — they’ll have someone who understands their needs and continues to stand, and fight, alongside them.”
Michon Lindstrom, a spokesperson for the Kentucky secretary of state’s office said the deadline to file for the special election is Tuesday, Oct. 21. The election will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16.
The deadline for voters in the Senate district to register and be eligible to vote in the election is Monday, Nov. 17. The district includes western parts of Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Republican Party’s executive committee will meet Monday evening to select a candidate.
With Yates’ departure, Democrats hold five seats in the state Senate to Republicans’ 32 members.
Lawmakers will return to Frankfort for the 2026 legislative session in January.
This story was updated Monday afternoon with additional information.
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Written by McKenna Horsley. Cross-posted from the Kentucky Lantern.
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