Kentucky campaigns get competitive ahead of May 21 primary

FRANKFORT, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Next Tuesday’s primary election is voters’ latest chance to have their opinions heard. There are a few key races to watch, but they’ll have to work hard to get voters to the polls.

“You know, in these races, every vote counts. So it really is important that the ground game is raised to new levels here,” FOX 56 News Political Analyst Jonathan Miller said.

Many may have started noticing campaign signs for an election that’s a lot closer than they might think. Although the president’s race is decided, at the local level several races are getting competitive. However, Miller said a low turnout is expected.

“State House races have a lot of importance to the way public policy is made, but don’t generally get generated a whole lot of excitement,” Miller said.

Thirty-six State House districts have contested primaries, and five in the state Senate. Democrats in central Kentucky are also deciding on a challenger to face Rep. Andy Barr in November. The Commonwealth’s attorney’s and non-partisan city council seats are also on the ballot. Statistically speaking, the current officeholder tends to have an advantage, but Miller said that’s not always a guarantee.

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“It depends on how hard-working the incumbent is. So, if the incumbent is very dedicated and he or she really gets and beats the bushes and has spent the last couple of years getting to know their constituents, then they’re going to have an advantage,” Miller said.

Some voters will be deciding their new representative on primary night itself, such as in Districts 93 and 76, which only have Democrats competing. Outgoing Lexington state representative Ruth Ann Palumbo of District 76 is also one of 10 House lawmakers leaving open seats. The Democrats don’t have many districts; Miller expects to see them flip against the Republicans’ 80-seat supermajority in the House, but he believes some have potential.

“I think the one seat that we should be watching as a potential flip is the Timoney seat,” Miller said. “It’s a district that Andy Beshear won pretty significantly in his governor’s race. So, if Timoney should lose to Thomas Jefferson, then I think that probably is going to be an easy pickup for Democrats. But if Timoney does win his primary, which is expected, I think that will be a hotly contested race.”

Primary Election Day is May 21.

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