FRANKFORT, Ky. — Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, is the latest legislative leader to announce he will not seek re-election.

What You Need To Know

  • Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, will not seek re-election

  • He will serve his full term which will end Dec. 2024

  • Thayer is the longest-serving Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader in state history

Thayer has served the 17th Senate District for over two decades. The district includes Grant and Scott Counties and portions of Fayette and Kenton Counties. It is within what has become known as Kentucky’s Golden Triangle. Thayer has also been Senate Majority Floor Leader for over ten years. He will continue to serve until Dec. 2024. 

“I have decided not to seek re-election to the state Senate in 2024,” Thayer said. “The end of my current term next year will mark 22 years in the Senate and 12 as Majority Floor Leader. After conversations with my adult children, close friends and colleagues, I have concluded this is the right decision.”

According to the Senate Majority Caucus, Thayer is the longest-serving Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader in state history. A news release from the caucus, said the “Golden Triangle” is the fastest-growing economic region in Kentucky and it attributed that success partially to Thayer and the Republican supermajority.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said. “I value and came to rely on the energy he poured into Senate floor activity day after day. Damon shepherded sound policy through the process, creating a business-friendly environment that’s materialized in the job growth we are seeing today. The commonwealth is better because of Damon Thayer and the Senate will miss him greatly.” 

Thayer said he will lead his final legislative session the same way he has since 2003. 

“With one year remaining in my term, I intend to pursue the policy goals of the Senate GOP with the vigor and enthusiasm people have come to expect. My focus will be a successful 2024 Legislative Session.”

Thayer said he has accomplished most of his political and policy goals and plans to pursue “exciting private sector opportunities” which will require more of his time.

He added, “I am grateful to the residents of the 17th district who granted me the honor of representing them in the Senate, and to my colleagues in the GOP caucus for the privilege of being their Majority Leader.” 

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