Kentucky House Democrats will head into the General Assembly’s 2026 session with two members stepping into new leadership roles, after Rep. Al Gentry of Louisville announced he would step down as Caucus Chair but will remain in the House.
Rep. Lindsey Burke of Lexington was elected as House Democratic Caucus Chair, while Rep. Joshua Watkins of Louisville was elected House Democratic Whip on Friday.
House Democratic Floor Leader Pamela Stevenson of Louisville praised the strengths that Burke and Watkins bring to their new roles.
“Rep. Burke boosts our caucus with experience, expertise, and a fierce commitment to helping families trying to build a good life,” Stevenson said. “And Rep. Watkins can always be counted on for bringing energy, optimism, and a joy to serving others that lifts everyone around him. We’re all excited to move forward together and keep doing what Kentuckians expect of us: fighting for fairness, opportunity, and dignity for every person in this Commonwealth.”
Burke said she is honored to serve in her new role. “Our work is about helping people meet their everyday needs. Families need affordable homes, quality education, accessible health care, and the ability to put food on the table without constant worry. Those are the issues Kentuckians are talking about with us every day.”
Watkins stated he is eager to get started. “We have an opportunity to make life better for people who are too often overlooked. That means listening, learning, and doing the hard work to give everyone a fair shot at a better future. We’re at a crucial moment, and we’re meeting it with determination to make our government and our economy work for every Kentuckian.”
In announcing that he was stepping down from his caucus leadership role earlier this week, Gentry said he took the action to make time for a new opportunity as a senior advisor to a national adaptive golf initiative.
