Dems keep control of Kentucky state House

by Mark Hensch - 03/08/16 9:20 PM ET

Kentucky Democrats are keeping hold of the state House, beating back a GOP effort to control every arm of the state’s government for the first time.

Republicans hoped to break the Democrats’ 53-47 majority, but they won just one of four special elections for House seats on Tuesday, The Associated Press reports.

{mosads}Daniel B. Elliott was the only winning GOP challenger, defeating Democrat Bill Noelker in a battle pitting two Danville, Ky., attorneys in the state’s 54th District.

Republican Mike Harmon had vacated the central Kentucky seat after being elected state auditor last November.

Democrats earned wins in three other special elections, retaining control. Kentucky’s House is the only Southern legislative chamber the party holds.

Lew Nicholls won his race first, defeating Republican Tony Quillen in a race to replace departing Democrat Tanya Pullin, according to the AP. Pullin resigned last year after Gov. Matt Bevin appointed her to an administrative law judge post.

Democrat Jeff Taylor also won, becoming the first African-American to represent the state’s 8th District. The Tennessee Valley Authority retiree beat Walker Wood Thomas, owner of the Roller Dome Fun Plex in Hopkinsville, Ky.

Taylor takes over for Democrat John Tilley, who Bevin appointed state public safety secretary, the news outlet added. President Obama recorded a phone call urging voters to back Taylor.

Democrat Chuck Tackett was the third Democratic winner, defeating Republican Phillip Pratt.