Jefferson County, October 4, 2025
News Summary
David Yates has been appointed as the Jefferson County Clerk following the passing of Bobbie Holsclaw. Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Yates will oversee elections and transition from his role in the Kentucky State Senate. The appointment comes amid significant challenges for the Democratic Party in Kentucky as they face potential losses in upcoming elections. Yates is committed to conducting fair elections and ensuring stability in local governance during this transition period.
Louisville
David Yates has been appointed as the new Jefferson County Clerk, following the passing of Bobbie Holsclaw in September. Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the decision, stating that Yates, a Democrat and current minority whip of the Kentucky State Senate, will begin his role next week. Yates will take over the responsibilities of the Clerk’s office, previously held by Holsclaw, who dedicated over 25 years to public service.
Mayor Greenberg highlighted Yates’ extensive experience in the community, referring to him as a “proven leader from the South End.” Yates expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him and underscored the importance of conducting fair and transparent elections as County Clerk. These elections will play a critical role in the governance of Jefferson County in the coming years.
As part of the transition, Yates will need to resign from his position in Senate District 37 due to a state law that prevents General Assembly members from holding local government offices. He has been campaigning for the Clerk’s position since May 2023 and has faced a significant political landscape, particularly following the recent loss of another key public servant, Sheriff John Aubrey, who also passed away in September.
The Democratic representation in the Kentucky State Senate has seen a sharp decline recently, dwindling to just six members after several party switches, marking a historically low point. This context adds urgency to Yates’ new role as he steps into a leadership position during a fragile time for the party. The Jefferson County Clerk’s office will oversee routine elections in 2026, which will include a primary in May and a general election in November.
Scott Yates will also be making the transition while Democratic Governor Andy Beshear is expected to issue a writ for a special election to fill his Senate seat after his resignation. There are concerns within the Democratic Party that Republicans may attempt to seize control of Yates’ district during the upcoming special election, further impacting the balance of power in the state Senate.
Before serving in the state Senate, Yates was a member of the Louisville Metro Council. He won his Senate seat in 2020 without opposition and successfully defeated Republican candidate Calvin Leach in the 2024 election by approximately 20 points. The change in leadership also includes David James, who has been appointed as interim Jefferson County Sheriff. James will replace John Aubrey, ensuring continuity in law enforcement leadership until the next general elections.
Both Yates and James are expected to serve until the upcoming general elections. Their appointments are intended to maintain stability in their respective offices amid the recent tragedies that have impacted the community.
FAQ Section
Who is David Yates?
David Yates is a Democrat and the newly appointed Jefferson County Clerk. He previously served as the minority whip in the Kentucky State Senate and has been involved in public service for over a decade.
Why did David Yates need to resign from the Senate?
Yates must resign from his position in the Kentucky State Senate due to a state law that prohibits General Assembly members from serving in local government roles simultaneously.
What elections will the Jefferson County Clerk’s office be responsible for?
The Jefferson County Clerk’s office will oversee regular elections in 2026, including a primary election in May and a general election in November.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Appointment | David Yates appointed as Jefferson County Clerk |
| Previous Clerk | Bobbie Holsclaw (served for over 25 years) |
| Party Affiliation | Democrat |
| Elections Managed | Regular elections in 2026 (primary in May, general in November) |
| Immediate Challenges | Resignation from Senate, Republican challenge during special election |
| Interim Sheriff | David James appointed as interim Jefferson County Sheriff |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLKY: David Yates Ready to Step into New Role as Interim Jefferson County Clerk
- Kentucky.com: David Yates Appointed as Jefferson County Clerk
- Kentucky Lantern: Louisville Mayor Appoints Kentucky Senate Democratic Leader to Local Office
- Wave3: Louisville’s Deputy Mayor Named Interim Jefferson County Sheriff
- WDRB: Louisville Leaders Announce New Jefferson County Sheriff & Clerk
- Wikipedia: Jefferson County, Kentucky
- Google Search: Louisville Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisville
- Google News: Jefferson County Clerk
- Google Scholar: Kentucky State Senate
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