When it comes to the race to replace David Yates in the state Senate, Louisville Democrats and Republicans alike see a big opportunity before them.

State records show out of more than 75,000 registered voters in Kentucky Senate District 37, 58% of them are Democrats while 30% are Republicans.

Jefferson County Republicans have nominated their pick for an open seat in the Kentucky Senate. The party’s executive committee team selected Calvin Leach as the GOP nominee for a special election in the 37th Senate District.

David Yates is encouraging District 37 residents to vote in the special election to fill the seat vacated when he was appointed as clerk.

A Republican endorsed by President Donald Trump before he even announced officially jumped into the GOP primary Oct. 21 against Northern Kentucky's U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican who has butted heads with Trump for years.

The Jefferson County Clerk's Office is getting ready for a special election to fill the Kentucky Senate District 37 seat that was recently vacated by David Yates.

David Yates was appointed as Interim Jefferson County Clerk after longtime clerk Bobbi Holsclaw passed away. Now, the former Senate minority whip’s seat is left open and will be filled in a special election this December.

When he ran for reelection during the 2023-24 election cycle, Kentucky Republican Brett Guthrie raised $851,493 during the first nine months of his campaign. Then he ascended to the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in January 2025 — and more than tripled his fundraising.