Incumbent Representative Buddy Wheatley (D-Covington) is one of two Democrats representing Northern Kentucky in the statehouse.
He hopes to return for a third term, but it might be challenging this time. Redistricting significantly changed the district that’s been Democratic and mainly contained the City of Covington. Republican Stephanie Dietz is challenging him for the seat.
Under the new redistricting maps, Wheatley lost the very urban, northernmost part to the previously more suburban 63rd District represented by Kim Banta (R-Fort Mitchell). Other parts of Covington, particularly its eastern neighborhoods along the Licking River, shifted from the 65th to the 64th, represented by Kim Moser (R-Taylor Mill).
If Wheatley earns another trip to the statehouse, he hopes to move forward with infrastructure projects such as the Brent Spence Companion Bridge with no tolls and the Fourth Street Bridge. He also plans to continue work helping first responders, something that Wheatley prioritizes as a former firefighter.
“I will continue to advocate for first responders as I have had success doing for four years,” Wheatley said. “I will again file a bill to help recruit and retain the finest and bravest hazardous duty law enforcement, firefighters, and dispatchers.”
Wheatley also says he wants to make voting easier for voters.
“I will again push legislation that eases Kentucky’s restrictive voting laws–allowing Independents to vote in primaries, eliminate the straight-party voting option, and making it much easier to register to vote,” Wheatley said.
Newcomer Stephanie Dietz is an attorney from Edgewood and said she plans to address out-of-control prices, crime, and wants to improve the education system.
“But right now, families are hurting,” Dietz said. “Out-of-control prices, increasing violent crime, and demands to improve our education system are front of mind for Northern Kentucky families. And I want to give them a voice in the state capitol.”
Dietz said that voters would have a clear choice on Nov. 8.
“My opponent has a record of voting to keep our taxes high, of personally enriching himself by suing local government, voting to protect a culture of corruption in Kentucky politics, and voting to silence parents when it comes to their children’s education,” Dietz said.
Wheatley said his experience in Frankfort and in public service is what sets him apart.
“I have a career of dedicated public service, and she has very little,” Wheatley said. “I have a depth of knowledge about state and local government that is vital to understanding how Frankfort works, which, in turn, facilitates the best constituent service.”
This has been one of the most expensive state House races in the state, but Wheatley raised nearly double the amount of Dietz. Dietz’s total campaign receipts amount to $50,658.08. Wheatley’s total campaign receipts amount to $94,255.17.
To learn more about Buddy Wheatley, visits his website. To learn more about Stephanie Dietz, visit her website.