Gary Clemons is a Democratic state senator representing Kentucky Senate District 37 in southwestern Jefferson County. A native of South Louisville, he is a U.S. Army veteran and former president of United Steelworkers Local 1693, representing over 200 workers at the American Synthetic Rubber Company in Louisville. Clemons won a special election in December 2025 with nearly 73% of the vote, defeating Republican Calvin Leach and Libertarian Wendy Higdon, to fill the unexpired term of former Sen. David Yates through the end of 2028. He campaigns on supporting working families, lowering costs for essentials, creating jobs, and advocating for blue-collar interests.

Education and Political Experience

• Military Service: Served as a veteran in the U.S. Army.
• Labor Leadership: Longtime steelworker and president of United Steelworkers Local 1693, bringing firsthand job-site experience to the Senate.
• Political Role: Elected in a 2025 special election to Kentucky State Senate District 37 ; term ends 2028. His landslide victory overperformed the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket by 42 points, highlighting strong labor and community support.