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Two Barren County Republicans Vie for Legislative Seat

LRC Public Information

A military veteran and a former educator from Barren County are making a run for the Kentucky General Assembly.

Former teacher, coach, and principal Steve Riley has filed to run for the seat that represents Barren and a portion of Warren County.  Riley spent 31 years in education.  In a news release, he said he wants to continue serving the community in a new capacity. 

The 23rd District seat is currently held by Democrat Johnny Bell who serves as House Majority Whip. 

Also campaigning for the seat is Freddie Joe Wilkerson, a real estate agent and veteran of the Kentucky National Guard.  Wilkerson’s son died from injuries he received in Afghanistan, and he told the Bowling Green Daily News that the four-year bureaucracy of getting his son’s Purple Heart after his death in 2009 led to his decision to seek office. 

Both Wilkerson and Riley are running for the state House seat as Republicans.  According to the Kentucky Secretary of State's office, Representative Bell so far has not filed for re-election.  The filing deadline is January 26.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.