Kentucky
Kentucky House Democrats change leadership ahead of 2026. Here’s who was elected
Facts About the Kentucky General Assembly
Discover key facts about the Kentucky General Assembly, including its history, structure, and state government functions.
The Kentucky House Democratic Caucus has shaken up its leadership team heading into 2026, with a freshman from Louisville joining the ranks.
State House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson will remain in the role, party officials announced Nov. 14. Rep. Lindsey Burke, a Lexington legislator in her second term, will serve as caucus chair, while Rep. Josh Watkins, in his first term representing a district in central and western Louisville, was chosen as minority whip.
The elections took place at the caucus’ annual retreat in Berea, according to a release.
Burke served as minority whip in the most recent legislative session. As caucus chair, she replaces Rep. Al Gentry of Louisville — he announced last week he would step down from the post in order to put more time toward a national team he joined working on an initiative involving adaptive golf. Gentry will remain in the House and intends to seek reelection to his seat in 2026.
Stevenson served as minority leader during the 2025 session. The west Louisville Democrat is running in 2026 for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell.
She said Burke will provide “experience, expertise, and a fierce commitment to helping families trying to build a good life” while Watkins “can always be counted on for bringing energy, optimism, and a joy to serving others that lifts everyone around him.”
Democrats are significantly outnumbered in Frankfort, where the GOP holds an 80-20 advantage in the House. The party’s leadership team will help determine legislative priorities during the upcoming 60-day session, with a two-year state budget on the agenda.
Burke listed key concerns as “affordable homes, quality education, accessible health care, and the ability (for families) to put food on the table without constant worry.”
While he’s relatively new to the Capitol, Watkins has been open in his push for state lawmakers to take more action on affordable housing and housing in general. He was first elected in 2024 to replace current state Sen. Keturah Herron, who endorsed him in his run.
“We’re at a crucial moment, and we’re meeting it with determination to make our government and our economy work for every Kentuckian,” Watkins said.
Kentucky’s 2026 legislative session is set to begin on Jan 6.
Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.
PENDLETON CO., Ky. — A woman was killed, and two juveniles were seriously injured Friday night in a two-vehicle crash in Pendleton County, Kentucky State Police said.
Police said troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash near the 2600 block of US-27 around 9 p.m. Friday.
Troopers found that 67-year-old Sandra Barker was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox north on US-27 when she crossed the center line and struck a 2018 Ram truck that was being driven by a 57-year-old man.
Barker was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Two juveniles, who were passengers in the Ram truck, were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Police did not say if the 57-year-old driver of the truck was injured or not.
Troopers said the investigation into the crash is in the early stages, and it’s being reconstructed by Kentucky State Police’s Post 6 in Dry Ridge.
Troopers were assisted by the Pendleton County Coroner’s Office, Pendleton County EMS, Pendleton County Fire Department, Southern Campbell EMS, Northern Pendleton Fire/EMS and AirCare.
Replay: WCPO 9 News at 6PM
Is the mint julep overhyped? See what was said at Kentucky Derby 2026.
Courier Journal’s Keely Doll and Olivia Evans asked racegoers at the 152nd Kentucky Derby if the mint julep, a derby-staple, live up to its hype.
It’s National Mint Julep Day, a celebration of one of Kentucky’s most recognizable cocktails.
The popular bourbon drink has long been tied to Louisville and the Kentucky Derby. According to Churchill Downs, about 127,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend.
How to make a mint julep
Let’s Talk Derby: How to make a mint julep for the Kentucky Derby
It’s time for another ‘Let’s Talk Derby with Kathryn and Kirby’ video. Learn how to make the official drink of the Kentucky Derby: the mint julep.
How many mint juleps are served during Kentucky Derby weekend each year?
According to Churchill Downs, about 127,000 mint juleps are served over the two days of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend. This number of cocktails requires more than 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 2,250 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 475,000 pounds of ice.
The mint julep has been a traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century.
Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
Kentucky
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