Republicans swept in the three special elections on Tuesday evening.
Two House seats and one Senate seat will stay under Republican control in what are solidly conservative districts of the state.
The 22nd Senate District will be represented by Dr. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville. Douglas defeated won the election with 9,733 votes to Democratic nominee Helen Bukulmez 3,725, according to unofficial vote totals from the Kentucky Secretary of State. Douglas will fill the unexpired term of the late Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, in the district which includes part of Fayette, all of Garrard, Jessamine, Mercer, Washington Counties.
Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, welcomed Douglas to the upper chamber after the election.
“He will serve his district well and promote the conservative policies his constituents desire to see in Frankfort,” Stivers said in a statement. “Tonight’s win further solidifies what has been apparent for years — Kentuckians want a Republican majority to continue to make laws for our Commonwealth.”
Republicans also held off Democrats in the 89th House District where Republican Timmy Truett garnered 3,859 votes to Democratic candidate Mae Suramek’s 1,097 votes, according to unofficial results. Truett will fill the unexpired term of former state Rep. Robert Goforth who resigned the seat. The district includes Jackson, part of Laurel, and part of Madison County.
The GOP also held control in the 51st House District. Republican Michael “Sarge” Pollock easily won the election with 5,217 votes. Democratic candidate Edwin “Eddie” Rogers garnered 1,700 votes, according to an unofficial vote tally. The district includes all of Adair and Taylor Counties.
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, congratulated the winners of the election.
“The special election results in the 51st and 89th districts confirm that the people of Kentucky support the work we’ve done to create jobs, protect our most vulnerable, and preserve Kentucky values,” Osborne said. “However, they also prove that Kentuckians believe the legislature’s approach to the pandemic is the right fit for our Commonwealth. I’m looking forward to working with both candidates as they transition to duly-elected State Representatives.”
Republicans maintain their super majorities with the three elections. The State Board of Elections will review and verify the results later this month.
