Robert Stephen Bratcher was born on April 8, 1970. He is an American politician and educator currently serving as a Republican member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from Kentucky's 25th House district. His district includes most of Elizabethtown and the north side of Hardin County. He assumed office on January 1, 2023, succeeding Jim DuPlessis.

Bratcher has a extensive background in military service, having completed four years of active duty in the United States Air Force and over 30 years in the Kentucky Air National Guard, where he presently serves as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. His service included foreign and domestic operations such as homeland defense during the September 11 attacks and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Professionally, Bratcher is employed at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College as the Director of External Technical Training and as an instructor of business and technical courses. He is also a real estate broker, a private pilot, and the owner of a personal care home with a focus on Alzheimer's and dementia residents. His previous employment includes positions at Honeywell, the Lear Corporation, and Maker's Mark. He is a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and has served on the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. His cousin, Kevin Bratcher, is a current member of the Louisville Metro Council and formerly served in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Education

Bratcher graduated from Madison Central High School in Richmond. He earned two technical Associate in Science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Arts in police administration and social justice as well as a Master of Science in loss prevention safety from Eastern Kentucky University. Later, Bratcher earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from Bellarmine University. He also holds a private pilot license.

Political Experience

Bratcher's elected service began at the county level. In 2014, he won the general election for constable of Hardin County's 4th magisterial district, defeating Democratic incumbent Randell Morris. He was re-elected to the position unopposed in 2018.

In 2022, incumbent Jim DuPlessis chose not to seek reelection for Kentucky House of Representatives District 25. Bratcher won the Republican primary and secured the seat in the general election against Democratic candidate Katherine Leonard. He was re-elected in 2024, winning against Democratic candidate Cherlyn Smith and Independent candidate Eric Parrish.

Within the Kentucky House of Representatives, Bratcher serves on the Committees for Health Services, Postsecondary Education, and Primary & Secondary Education. He serves as vice chair of the Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection.