Democrat Matt Lehman and Republican Terry Hatton have both vowed to put their constituents first should they be elected to the 67th House District seat left open this year with the retirement of Democratic Rep. Rachel Roberts.
Hatton, of Bellevue, is the owner of a private security and consulting firm and a military veteran who has been involved for over 25 years with the Bellevue Vets youth ball leagues and other groups. While serving in the United States Army, he received honors such as an Army Service Ribbon, an Army Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Lehman, of Newport, is a longtime health care executive and local volunteer with groups including the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky who told LINK nky the district needs a “work horse” to meet regional needs.
Both said they are running for the seat because they believe they best represent the people in the 67th District.
“I will deliver by being a dedicated advocate for my constituents, prioritizing their needs and concerns in every decision I make,” Hatton said. “I want to ensure that our state government works for all Kentuckians, protecting the values we hold dear while addressing the challenges we face.… I never want our district to be forgotten about in Frankfort. I will always make sure that we, District 67, have a seat at the table.”
According to his campaign website, Hatton has volunteered in Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio for more than 30 years with multiple organizations, including Bellevue Veterans Club, American Society for Industrial Security, the Reds Community Fund and Knights of Columbus.
Lehman said he intends to bring “good representation” to the 67th district.
“This part of the state is booming, population is increasing, and we need to make sure that people are working for our interests in Frankfort,” Lehman said. “That’s what led me to do this. It’s important to have good representation for our district, and I think I have the ability to do the job well.”
In a survey of about 5,000 voters in the district, Lehman said housing costs, transportation needs and reproductive rights were among their top concerns. Improving district infrastructure, worker’s rights and supporting public education are also part of his platform.
Lehman graduated from Covington Catholic High School. He received his bachelor’s from the University of Louisville and his master’s from Columbia University. He has managed and founded several healthcare companies, his website says, and currently works in the biotechnology field, helping to develop new therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
This is the second time in two years that Lehman has been on the ballot in Kentucky. In 2022, he lost his race to unseat 4th District U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican. Massie is running unopposed this fall after defeating two challengers in the May 21 primary.
The open seat left by Roberts’ retirement encouraged Lehman to try for state office, he said – adding that he thinks he can win.
“The issues that are important to me are the issues that are important to my neighbors,” Lehman told LINK.
On his campaign website, Lehman says that “significant work remains to ensure all of us have access to opportunities in our region.”
Those include affordable housing, teacher pay, what he calls “extremist” abortion laws and the opioid crisis.
Hatton said he is ready to get to work on “key issues such as education, infrastructure, public safety and economic growth, leveraging my experience and skills to develop practical solutions.”
Economic development is one of the issues Hatton emphasizes on his website, saying that by fostering economic growth, the region can attract new businesses, support existing industries, and create opportunities for individuals and families to prosper.
“I am dedicated to fighting for better education, supporting our veterans, and ensuring that our infrastructure meets the needs of our growing communities,” Hatton told LINK. “I also believe in the importance of parental rights in education, giving families a voice in their children’s future.”
The 67th House District includes Bellevue, Dayton, Newport, Wilder, Woodlawn, parts of Highland Heights and Southgate, and parts of Fort Thomas and Cold Spring.