Kentucky Senate Democrats reelect caucus leadership

Kentucky Senate Democrats voted to retain their caucus leaders ahead of the 2025 legislative session. 

Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal, Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas and Senate Democratic Whip David Yates were reelected to their positions, a Senate Democratic Caucus press release said Thursday. 

“The Kentucky Senate Democrats are proud to have selected a strong, united team to guide us over the next biennium,” Neal, of Louisville, said in a statement. “Our caucus is committed to standing up for the values we share with our constituents and fighting for a brighter future for all Kentuckians.” 

The press release said the caucus leaders “will play a critical role in advancing the minority’s legislative agenda such as expanding economic opportunities throughout the state, improving public education, protecting access to healthcare, embracing diversity and addressing the day-to-day challenges facing Kentucky families.”

After the 2024 general election, Democrats continue to hold seven seats in the Senate, compared to the Republican supermajority of 31. 

Meanwhile, House Democratic Leadership changed as former Caucus Chair Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson lost her election in November and two leaders — former Floor Leader Derrick Graham and Democratic Whip Rachel Roberts — did not seek reelection. Last month, the caucus elected House Democratic Floor Leader Pamela Stevenson, House Democratic Caucus Chair Al Gentry and House Democratic Whip Lindsey Burke to their new roles. 

House Democrats hold 20 seats to the Republicans’ 80-seat supermajority. 

On the Republican side, the House and Senate caucuses named their leaders last month. In the Senate, Republicans elected Senate Republican Floor Leader Max Wise and Republican Caucus Chair Robby Mills to their positions. Senate President Robert Stivers, President Pro Tempore David Givens  and Majority Whip Mike Wilson were re-elected to their positions. 

House Republicans reelected their leaders: Speaker David Osborne, Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade, House Republican Floor Leader Steven Rudy, House Republican Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, House Republican Whip Jason Nemes.

Lawmakers reconvene in Frankfort on Tuesday, Jan. 7.