Louisville, Kentucky, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The Jefferson County Republican Party has nominated Calvin Leach as its candidate for the Kentucky State Senate District 37 special election set for December. Leach, a longtime Louisville resident with diverse professional experience and a commitment to community service, will face Democratic nominee Gary Clemons in a race that could shift the political landscape in the state senate. Voter registration deadlines are approaching, making this a critical period for constituents.
Louisville, Kentucky – The Jefferson County Republican Party’s Executive Committee has unanimously nominated Calvin Leach as its candidate for the upcoming Kentucky State Senate District 37 special election. This election has been scheduled for December 16, 2025, to fill the seat left vacant by former State Senator David Yates, who resigned after being appointed as Jefferson County Clerk following the death of Bobbie Holsclaw.
Calvin Leach will face off against Gary Clemons, the Democratic nominee, in the special election. Clemons, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran and president of United Steelworkers Local 1693, was selected as the Democratic candidate on October 20, 2025. The upcoming election will be closely watched, as it presents a chance for either party to gain an additional seat in the Kentucky State Senate, where Republicans currently hold 32 seats compared to the Democrats’ five.
Calvin Leach has deep roots in Louisville, having lived in the city his entire life and growing up in the Pleasure Ridge Park neighborhood. He attended Pleasure Ridge Park High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, followed by a master’s degree in political science from the University of Louisville. He has a diverse background, having worked in various professions, including as a TIG welder and spot welder at Electrolux, a package handler at UPS, and a driver/part-time supervisor at JustFab. His experience also includes five years at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and a role as a legislative assistant with the Louisville Metro Council.
Leach has a longstanding dedication to community service, highlighted by his internship with Kentucky Refugee Ministries during graduate school, where he assisted Louisville’s immigrant population in finding employment opportunities. Recently, he retired from the U.S. Army in February 2025, which further enhances his platform built on patriotism and community service.
According to Don Fitzpatrick, chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, Leach’s understanding of local challenges, coupled with his strong values and commitment to public service, make him a valuable candidate. He is expected to champion initiatives that resonate with the constituents of District 37.
The special election comes after the deadline for candidates to file, which was on October 21, 2025. Voter registration for this election is required to be completed by November 14, 2025, before the 4 p.m. cutoff. As both parties gear up for the campaign, the election is expected to draw significant interest due to the contrasting backgrounds of Leach and Clemons.
The Kentucky Democratic Party has highlighted Clemons’ commitment to advocating for fair wages and supporting working families, adding a competitive edge to the race. His platform is aimed at improving the economic and social conditions for residents in District 37.
With both candidates bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table, the December election will be pivotal for both the local community and the broader political landscape of Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Kentucky State Senate District 37 special election?
The special election is scheduled for December 16, 2025.
Who are the candidates in the special election?
The candidates are Calvin Leach from the Republican Party and Gary Clemons from the Democratic Party.
What is the deadline for voter registration?
The deadline for voter registration is November 14, 2025, by 4 p.m.
Why did this special election occur?
This election is being held to fill the vacancy left by David Yates, who resigned from the Senate after his appointment as Jefferson County Clerk.
How many seats do Republicans and Democrats hold in the Kentucky State Senate?
Currently, Republicans hold 32 seats, while Democrats hold 5 seats in the Kentucky State Senate.
Key Features of the Kentucky Senate District 37 Special Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Election | December 16, 2025 |
| Republican Candidate | Calvin Leach |
| Democratic Candidate | Gary Clemons |
| Registration Deadline | November 14, 2025, by 4 p.m. |
| Current Senate Makeup | Republicans: 32, Democrats: 5 |
| Reason for Special Election | To fill vacancy left by David Yates |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Growing Competition in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District Race
Trump Endorses Ed Gallrein in Kentucky Congressional Race
Daniel Cameron Leads Republican Primary Poll in Kentucky
Nate Morris Self-Funds Senate Campaign with Over $3 Million
Greg Plucinski Announces Candidacy for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District
Governor Andy Beshear Urges Democrats to Rebuild Trust in New Hampshire
Rep. Andy Barr Announces Bid for Senate Seat in Kentucky
Amy McGrath Announces Senate Bid in Kentucky
Amy McGrath Launches Second Campaign for U.S. Senate Seat
Amy McGrath Launches Campaign for Senate Seat in Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Kentucky Lantern: Louisville Republicans Nominate Retired Army Veteran
- Wave 3: Louisville Democratic Party Nominate Gary Clemons
- WHAS 11: Democratic Candidate Gary Clemons Nominated for Kentucky Senate Seat
- WDRB: Louisville Democrats Nominate Gary Clemons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
