Higdon will be sworn in Wednesday as newest state senator

FRANKFORT — Republican Jimmy Higdon of Lebanson will be sworn in as the newest state senator at 1 p.m. Dec. 16 in a ceremony in Marion County High School’s gymnasium.

“I am humbled and honored by the trust the people of the 14th senatorial district have shown me. As a proud graduate of Marion County High School, I want to share this moment with the students along with the good people of the district,” Higdon said in a statement Friday.

Higdon, who has been in the state House, will be given the oath of office by Rep. Stan Lee, R-Lexington. Lee is the first Marion County High School graduate to be elected to the state House of Representatives. Higdon is the first Marion County High School alum elected to the state Senate.

Higdon defeated Democrat Jodie Haydon of Bardstown in a special state Senate election Tuesday. It was called by Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear to replace Republican Dan Kelly, who accepted a Beshear appointment to a circuit judgeship.

With Higdon, the Republican control of the Senate will be 20-17, with independent member Bob Leeper of Paducah usually siding with Republicans.

Higdon’s win was a victory for Republicans and a defeat for Beshear and the horse industry, who backed a candidate who supported expanded gambling.

The 14th Senate District includes Marion, Mercer, Nelson, Taylor and Washington counties.

–Jack Brammer

Filed Under: Democratic Party • Elections • KY General Assembly • Republican Party • State Government