Looking forward to serving as State Representative and Speaker of the House

To say the past few weeks have been momentous, both for the history of Kentucky and for me personally, would be a vast understatement. As I am sure you are well aware, the recent election has changed the dynamics of the Kentucky House of Representatives in a considerable way.

Prior to the election, the partisan make-up of the House was 53 Democrats, 45 Republicans, with two vacant seats. The results of the election now have a House that will consist of 64 Republicans and 36 Democrats when we convene for the 2017 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly this upcoming January. This will be the first time Kentucky will have a Republican majority in the House since 1921, and the first time in our state’s history where both the Senate and House will be under Republican control.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the citizens of the 83rd House District, consisting of Clinton, Cumberland, Russell and a portion of Pulaski counties, for giving me the opportunity to serve as your voice in Frankfort once again. It remains the greatest honor of my life to know you have entrusted me with this responsibility. I assure you it is one I take seriously and try to represent our district to the best of my ability with each and every vote I cast.

As you are probably aware, both of my parents were elected to serve as State Representative for the 83rd District as well. It is through their example I learned the office is not about personal accolades, but rather it is an opportunity to truly serve people; to find ways to make state government as innovative and responsive to the needs to better the lives of Kentuckians.

I am pleased and humbled to also let you know that my role in the Kentucky General Assembly will be expanding. Recently, the Republican caucus met in Frankfort and nominated me to serve as their unanimous choice for Speaker of the House. While the position will not become official until January 3rd, being the sole nominee for the Republican caucus assures me the position.

While I am beyond grateful that my colleagues would select me for such an esteemed position, I know this extends way beyond any personal honor. Serving as Speaker of the House will afford me the opportunity to serve as an even stronger voice for our region and to lead with a legislative agenda that will expand economic opportunities and represent the values we hold so dear throughout the breadth of the Commonwealth.

On a personal note, it is humbling to know I will be entering into an office previously held by such political luminaries as John J. Crittenden, John Adair, and Henry Clay. It will be my fervent prayer to live up to such a standard set by these and other gentlemen who have served the Commonwealth of Kentucky in this position. It is with great sincerity that I ask you to please remember me, and the other men and women serving in the Kentucky General Assembly, regardless of political affiliation, in your prayers as we seek to lead our state and make it a better place in which to live, work, and raise a family.

I eagerly look forward to serving this upcoming term as both your State Representative and as the Speaker of the House for all of Kentucky.

If you would like to stay up-to-date on the Kentucky General Assembly, you can visit www.lrc.ky.gov. As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments. You can send me a message either at jeff.hoover@lrc.ky.gov or by calling (800) 372-7181.