UPDATED: State Rep. Susan Westrom is withdrawing from her re-election contest making this year her last in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
Westrom, a Democrat from Lexington, has represented the 79th House District for 24 years.
“Being a voice in Frankfort for the 79th District in Lexington after being elected in 1998 has been a highlight of my life journey. However, my goal was to retire from the General Assembly before I began sleeping in my legislative chair in the House chamber,” she said. “That still may be years off, but it is time for someone else to take on this role and bring fresh eyes and ideas to meet the challenges and opportunities we face in our community and across the commonwealth.”
Kentucky Fried Politics reported on the day of the filing deadline that several insiders were watching to see if she would pull her candidacy.
There are two Democratic candidates who filed for the seat, including Chad Aull, a campaign consultant. Westrom’s departure from the May 17 primary leaves Aull facing Justin Bramhall an LGBTQ candidate, who previously filed in 2020. Bramhall withdrew from the primary in 2020, saying he thought Westrom would retire after her decades of service.
“I’m convinced, though, that even better days are ahead as relationships are grown with many new members. I may no longer be serving in the House starting next year, but my heart for public service will remain strong,” she said.
The 79th Dist Democratic primary made Kentucky Fried Politics’ House Races to Watch list.
