With the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade case, which had granted legal access to abortion services across the country, and a constitutional amendment related to abortion on Kentucky ballots this November, the issue of abortion rights is front and center this campaign season.
Two organizations on opposite ends of that argument each announced endorsements of federal and state candidates this week.
The Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates (PPAA) endorsed 25 candidates throughout Kentucky, including two in Northern Kentucky. The organization has endorsed candidates from across the state who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting reproductive health care, including access to abortion, birth control, and sex education.
The group has endorsed the following candidates in Northern Kentucky:
Statehouse
- Rachel Roberts, a Democratic incumbent in House District 67
- Chris Brown, a Democratic challenger in House District 69
PPAA also endorsed Democrat Morgan McGarvey in Kentucky’s 3rd Congressional District. He is running to replace the retiring Democrat John Yarmuth. Democrat Charles Booker, a challenger to Republican Rand Paul, was also endorsed in the U.S. Senate race.
Meanwhile, the KY Right to Life Victory PAC announced its endorsed candidates in federal, state, and local races across the state, showing support for opponents of abortion rights.
In its announcement, the group said that it works to ensure that voters who oppose abortion rights know where candidates stand.
Many candidates in Northern Kentucky received the endorsement.
Statehouse:
The PAC endorsed Republicans Marianne Proctor (House District 60; she defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Sal Santoro in the May primary), incumbent Savannah Maddox (HD61), incumbent Kim Banta (HD63), Kimberly Moser (HD64), challenger Stephanie Dietz (HD65), challenger Steve Rawlings (HD66; he defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Ed Massey in the May primary), challenger Jerry Gearding (HD67), challenger Mike Clines (HD68), and incumbent Mark Hart (HD78).
State Senate:
The PAC endorsed Republican Gex Williams, who is running for the open seat in Senate District 20. It also endorsed Republican Shelley Funke Frommeyer who is running for the open seat in SD24.
The PAC endorsed incumbent Republican Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-4) and incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul.
The Kentucky Right to Life Victory PAC also weighed in on state and local judicial races.
For the state Supreme Court – District 6, it endorsed challenger Joe Fischer, a Republican state representative from Fort Thomas, who is challenging incumbent Justice Michelle Keller.
For the state Court of Appeals – District 6 – Division 2, the PAC endorsed Robert Winter, who is challenging incumbent Susanne Cetrulo, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term.
In the race for Kenton County Circuit Court/Family Court, 16th Judicial Circuit – Division 6, the PAC endorsed Donna Bloemer.
In the race for Boone and Gallatin Counties Circuit Court/Family Court, 54th Judicial District – Division 2, the PAC endorsed Keith McMain.
The PAC also endorsed in two local county-level races: Republican incumbents Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore and Kenton County Clerk Gabrielle Summe. Both are unopposed.