When you break down women’s representation in Kentucky by elected office and political party, there is a clear pattern. Women are much more likely to be Democrats than Republicans, even though Republicans control most offices across the state.

Politics changes cycle to cycle, but the data from sources like Center for American Women and Politics and legislative rosters shows:

The overall pattern for women elected to office in Kentucky (2020 and beyond) is approximately 30% – roughly 55-65% Democrat and roughly 35-45% Republican. What this means is that women are underrepresented among Republicans.

Republicans dominate Kentucky’s legislature, and you would think progress is being made to elect more women to public office. However, even though there are large majorities, only between 20-25% of Republican legislators in the General Assembly are women.

This partisan gender gap isn’t unique to Kentucky—it mirrors national trends:

Nationwide approximately 33% of Democratic state legislators are women and approximately 20% of Republican legislators are women. Kentucky tends to amplify this divide because the state has shifted strongly Republican in recent years and Republican gains have come faster than increases in female candidates.

Julie Raque Adams serves as the Executive Director of Kentucky Strong. Julie is the longest serving female in the Kentucky General Assembly and is a friend and resource to all Republican women who are thinking about running or currently serving.

Kentucky Strong Women’s Leadership Training
PO BOX 22151
Louisville, KY  40252

502-795-2144

julie@kystrong.com