FRANKFORT, Ky. — State Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, announced this week he will not seek another term in 2024 and will leave the Kentucky Senate after what will be 22 years in office.

What You Need To Know

  • Ten Ky. lawmakers have announced they won't seek reelection 

  • They include 7 Republicans and 3 Democrats 

  • Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer says he will leave at the end of his term

  • Gov. Andy Beshear thanked lawmakers for their service

“I’ve accomplished almost all of my policy and political goals,” he said. “Of course, there are always new mountains to conquer, but I think at some point, you just have to call time. I just feel like there are other things I want to do. The couple of businesses that I own are showing some real growth potential and it requires more of my time,” he added.

Thayer says he’s not leaving the Senate to run for office, but wouldn’t rule out throwing his hat in the ring for governor or an open seat in Congress.

“I’ve learned in this business to never say never and there is an open seat for governor in 2027 and if the circumstances were right, it’s something I would consider,” he said.

Thayer is among 10 members of the Kentucky General Assembly so far to announce they won’t run for reelection.

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“Whether or not I agree or disagree with each bill, they may have pushed or passed. You give up a lot to do these jobs,” Gov. Andy Beshear,D-Ky. said. “There’s added stress. For these lawmakers, there’s time away from their families and it can be a real challenge, so all I’d say to each of them is thank you for your service.”

Beshear said he was hopeful they’ll work together to accomplish more in the next legislative session.

He faces a Republican supermajority in the House and Senate, which has the power to override his vetoes.

The 2024 legislative session begins on Jan. 2, 2024.

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