Jackson unseats Minter in District 20 State Representative election
November 9, 2022
Kevin Jackson, Republican nominee, has unseated Patti Minter, Democratic incumbent, as the District 20 State Representative. Jackson claimed 54% of the vote to defeat Minter, who claimed 45%, on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Minter held a watch party at Preservation Pub and Tasting Room, where she conceded to Jackson after the last polling location submitted its results.
She thanked District 20 for their trust, her supporters, “Team Patti” and her family. After serving two terms, she reflected on past accomplishments, such as insulin affordability, and her effort for a people-first campaign.
“I’ve said from day one that people have the power, and together, we use that power to do big things, such as delivering funding for our roads and our veterans, lifting up our community through some of its toughest times and finally, making insulin available and affordable for thousands of Kentuckians,” Minter said.
The District 20 race was highly anticipated after Kentucky was redistricted in January. This shifted District 20’s boundaries south, as well as altering party proportions in district voting.
“While we came up short tonight, it took unprecedented gerrymandering, a huge super PAC from the other side, and as everybody in this room who voted knows, it took extraordinary voter suppression,” Minter said.
She also referenced the lack of a polling location in downtown Bowling Green, stating that is where “a majority of people live and work,” as well as no walkable voting locations.
Minter expressed gratitude for those on her campaign who helped in knocking on 21,000 doors and spoke on her thankfulness of small-dollar donations to her campaign, averaging $194 per donor.
“For everyone who has donated, knocked doors, made calls and talked to your friends and neighbors, I am grateful,” Minter said.
Minter stressed that her supporters continue an active role in the Bowling Green and Kentucky political scenes throughout the next few years.
“Please don’t walk away from the fight for a better Bowling Green and a better Kentucky, because we need you,” Minter said. “I’ve been saying since day one, people have the power. I believe that, with all of my heart. Nothing today changes that in any way. So take a little time to rest, to breathe, and it’s okay to be sad, but please, don’t walk away. Because Kentucky cannot afford you walking away.”
Jackson’s platform focuses on issues like education, public protection and workforce participation. He hopes to bring his experience in the workforce to his role as a State Representative.
The Herald reached out to Jackson for a statement on his victory but did not receive a comment before the time of publication.
Content editor Alexandria Anderson can be reached at [email protected].
