FRANKFORT, Ky. — State Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, D-Lexington, will not seek an 18th term in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2024. 

What You Need To Know

  • State Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, D-Lexington, will not seek reelection in 2024 

  • She played a key role in passing the Women's Health Act of 1998 

  • Palumbo also secured funds to renovate Rupp Arena and helped develop Coldstream Park during her tenure 

  • The 2024 Regular Session begins Jan. 2 

"I will be forever grateful for the trust my constituents have given to me to work on issues that affect all of us," Palumbo said in a release. "I thank my family and friends for encouraging and always supporting me."

During Palumbo's tenure, she passed legislation helping women, children, families, the elderly, consumers and small businesses. She played a key role in passing the Women's Health Act of 1998, requiring insurance companies to cover reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy.

Palumbo was also House economic development chair for 20 years, secured funds to renovate Rupp Arena and developed Lexington's Coldstream Park.

"Throughout my tenure, I have stood for fairness and equal rights for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and have fought for women's health care," Palumbo said. 

"As I complete my term in 2024, it will have been my great honor to have served the people of the 76th Legislative District and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for 34 years." 

The 2024 Regular Session begins Jan. 2. 

Related Stories