Congressman John Yarmuth has won a sixth term in the House. The Democrat defeated Republican challenger Harold Bratcher and third party candidate Everett Corley.
At his victory celebration in Louisville Tuesday night, Yarmuth said his next term will present some challenges back in his home state.
“I’ve got a battle on my hands, I understand that," he said. "I’ve got an administration in Frankfort that is ideologically driven and doesn’t have its policies based in reality.”
Kentucky Republicans secured a majority of seats in the state House of Representatives during elections on Tuesday. The GOP will now have control of the state House, state Senate and Governorship.
Yarmuth has been a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act that expanded health insurance coverage to hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians. Republican Gov. Matt Bevin dismantled Kentucky’s health exchange and expanded Medicaid program created under the federal law.
“On tonight, I celebrate a personal victory but I’m more concerned about the ongoing challenges in this state to elevate all of our citizens," said Yarmuth.
The GOP will be in control of the House for the first time since 1921. The party will have the upper hand of the entire legislative process in Kentucky and be able to easily pass bills if they stay united.
