Jim Gooch Jr. is a Republican state representative for Kentucky House District 12, serving since 1995. A longtime resident of Providence, Kentucky, he is married, Baptist, and works as an insurance agent and co-owner of Western Kentucky Steel Construction Company. Previously, he served as mayor of Providence and city councilman , and held leadership roles in local organizations like the Providence Chamber of Commerce and Ruritan Club.

Notable achievements include chairing the Natural Resources and Energy Committee and serving on key committees such as Banking and Insurance, Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, as well as the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government. He has a strong electoral record, winning re-election decisively, such as in 2020 with over 16,000 votes across Daviess, Hopkins, McLean, and Webster counties.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1973.
• Political Experience:
  • Kentucky House of Representatives, District 12: 1995–present .
  • Candidate for re-election: 2024.
  • Mayor, City of Providence: 1982–1986.
  • City Council, Providence: 1990–1993.
  • Committee roles: Chair, Natural Resources and Energy; Member, Banking and Insurance, Veterans/Military Affairs/Public Protection, and others; former co-chair of Public Water and Wastewater System Infrastructure Task Force.