Susan Witten is a far-right Republican representing one of the most Democratic-trending districts in Kentucky, and she barely won re-election. First elected in 2022 by just 4 points, Witten held onto her seat in 2024 by only 1.4%, even as Republican leadership poured resources into defending her. Her district is younger, more diverse, and overwhelmingly rejects the extremist policies she champions in Frankfort.
In the legislature, Witten voted to ban gender-affirming care, suppress inclusive education, and uphold one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country. She even defended so-called “conversion therapy” practices during a 2025 hearing. Her record is unambiguous and wildly out of step with the Louisville suburb she represents.
She may try to hide behind soft rhetoric. But her votes and public comments expose her.
She’s vulnerable. She’s extreme. And she’s beatable.
Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Family Record
Voted for SB 150 (2023), banning gender-affirming care for minors, censoring gender identity discussions, and forcing educators to out students
Defended a 2025 bill protecting providers of “conversion therapy,” framing it as safeguarding “both sides” despite medical consensus against the practice
Her record conflicts with Louisville’s long-standing LGBTQ+ Fairness Ordinance (1999) and Jefferson County’s pro-equality electorate
A Dangerous Anti-Abortion Agenda
Reliable anti-choice vote, opposing any exceptions for rape or incest
Opposed efforts to soften Kentucky’s abortion ban after Roe fell
Elected just before voters statewide rejected Amendment 2 in 2022, with her district voting overwhelmingly “no,” but she ignored that outcome
Supports policies that criminalize providers and limit emergency options for women
Culture War Over Constituents
Has not advanced legislation to improve schools, healthcare, or economic opportunity
Focused instead on punitive culture-war measures like book bans, anti-DEI efforts, and restricting family medical decisions
Represents far-right activists in Frankfort, not her more moderate, Democratic-trending Louisville district
Key Vulnerabilities
Won re-election in 2024 by only 1.4% (just a few hundred votes)
Represents Jefferson County, Kentucky’s largest and most progressive county
County voted overwhelmingly against the 2022 anti-abortion Amendment 2 and has had LGBTQ+ protections for over two decades
Her extremist views are toxic and increasingly out of step with the electorate, leaving her highly vulnerable
