Lexington, KY — In the upcoming election for Kentucky Senate District 27, voters will choose between incumbent Republican Sen. Steve West and Democratic challenger Molly Gene Crain. This race highlights significant differences on key issues, notably abortion and public education funding, which are pivotal in a district primarily encompassing the northern part of Fayette County and several surrounding counties.
Sen. West, serving since 2015, has been a staunch advocate for restrictive abortion laws, having supported legislation that effectively bans the procedure except in medical emergencies. He asserts that he is “pro-life” and believes that “a baby in the womb is a human being.” West argues that the current law’s rarity in exceptions is justified, stating that women can access services by traveling out of state if necessary.
In contrast, Crain advocates for a rollback of the current restrictions and supports the addition of exceptions for rape and incest cases, as well as a legislative approach that respects the decisions made between a woman and her doctor. Her stance is that the legislature should stay out of personal medical choices, emphasizing, “The legislature should not try to insert itself in decisions between a woman and her doctor.”
The candidates’ political backgrounds reflect broader party dynamics. The district has a Democratic registration advantage (46,220 to 38,455), yet many Democratic voters hold conservative views on social issues. Crain, a first-time candidate, has raised a total of $132,169 for her campaign, including significant contributions from labor unions. Meanwhile, West has raised $104,361 and has support from various political action committees, suggesting strong establishment backing.
Both candidates have diverging views on educational funding. Senate Bill Amendment 2, which proposes allowing public funds to support private schools, religious schools, and charter schools, has emerged as a critical issue. West supports the amendment, framing it as a matter of parental choice in education. Crain opposes it, cautioning that it risks undermining public schooling by diverting taxpayer funds. “Voting no on Amendment 2 allows us to keep taxpayer dollars in public education,” she argues.
As they head into the November election, each candidate presents distinct priorities. Crain aims to enhance support for new farmers, healthcare access, and education funding, advocating for universal pre-kindergarten. On the other hand, West touts his legislative successes, including public school funding increases and the Read to Succeed bill, along with his commitment to business-friendly policies and opposition to measures he claims infringe on property rights.
The 2024 Senate race is not just a contest between candidates but also a reflection of broader ideological battles within Kentucky’s political landscape. As voters prepare to head to the polls, each candidate’s positions on critical issues like abortion, education funding, and governance will significantly shape the future representation of District 27.
