The field of candidates is growing to replace veteran State Representative Jody Richards of Warren County who will retire from the legislature at the end of the year. A former Bowling Green mayor is expected to enter the race.
Eldon Renaud hasn’t made any official statements, but his LinkedIn profile says he’s a candidate for the 20th District House seat that represents part of Warren County.
In a statement to WKU Public Radio on Tuesday, Renaud said that he understands the needs of Bowling Green and Warren County, and one of those needs is to protect pensions earned by public sector employees.
"I can't sit on the sidelines while some in the majority party are working to reduce pension benefits earned by our loyal state employees in Bowling Green and throughout Kentucky," stated Renaud. "Our pension system is rated the worst in the nation. Having fought for better pensions, wages, and healthcare throughout my career, it is only natural for me to stand up for state workers and teachers."
Renaud served as mayor of Bowling Green from 1996 to 2000. He also served six terms as the local president of the United Auto Workers Union.
Renaud is the second Democrat to announce plans to run for the seat. The other is Western Kentucky University history professor Patti Minter.
Republican Ben Lawson is the only candidate so far to officially file to run with secretary of state’s office. The deadline is January 30.