Ashley Tackett Laferty
Ashley Tackett Laferty | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 95th district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Larry D. Brown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 10, 1979 Martin, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Chuck |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Eastern Kentucky University (BA) University of Louisville (JD) |
Ashley Nicole Tackett Laferty (born May 10, 1979) is an American attorney and politician serving as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 95th district. Elected in November 2018, she assumed office on January 1, 2019. Tackett Laferty is considered to be a conservative Southern Democrat. She is the last Democrat representing the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield in the Kentucky General Assembly.[1]
Tackett Laferty is not running for reelection to the house in 2026, instead running for the 31st District Court.[2]
Early life and education
Tackett Laferty was born in Martin, Kentucky. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville School of Law.[3]
Career
Since graduating from law school, Tackett Laferty has worked as an attorney. She was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in November 2018, defeating incumbent Republican Larry Brown. She assumed office on January 1, 2019.[4][5]
She was re-elected in 2020 with 60% of the vote, beating Republican challenger William Matt Reynolds and was re-elected in 2022 with 60% of the vote, defeating Republican Brandon Spencer. She once again defeated Spencer in 2024.
Legislation
Since 2019, Tackett Laferty has been a primary sponsor of the following bills which have been considered by at least one house:[6]
| Bill | Title | House Vote | Senate Vote | Governor | Ky. Acts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 HB 499 | An act establishing celebratory commissions for the Kentucky State Parks Centennial, the Kentucky State Semiquincentennial, and the Old Fort Harrod Semiquincentennial | Passed 84–0 | Not voted | N/a | N/a |
| 22 HB 562 | An act relating to first responders | Passed 87–0 | Passed 36–0 | Signed | 2022 c. 94 |
| 23 HB 15 | An act relating to service animals | Passed 93–0 | Passed 37–0 | Signed | 2023 c. 169 |
| 24 HB 299 | An act relating to the establishment of a grant database | Passed 95–0 | Not voted | N/a | N/a |
Policy positions
Diversity, equity and inclusion
In 2025, Tackett Laferty was the lone House Democrat to vote for a bill eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public universities.[7]
Homelessness
Tackett Laferty was the sole House Democrat to vote for the Safer Kentucky Act, which criminalized homelessness by banning "street camping" on public streets and under bridges.[8]
Transgender youth in sports
Tackett Laferty opposes allowing transgender people to compete in sports that do not align with their biological sex. In 2022, she called for "little girls to play sports with little girls and little boys to play sports with little boys."[9]
Electoral history
2014
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Ashley Tackett Laferty | 4,643 | 31.6 | |
| Nonpartisan | Thomas M. Smith | 4,157 | 28.3 | |
| Nonpartisan | David Allen Barber | 1,966 | 13.4 | |
| Nonpartisan | C. V. Reynolds | 1,924 | 13.1 | |
| Nonpartisan | Earl "Mickey" McGuire | 1,323 | 9.0 | |
| Nonpartisan | J. Sam Doyle | 692 | 4.7 | |
| Total votes | 14,705 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Thomas M. Smith | 6,435 | 50.3 | |
| Nonpartisan | Ashley Tackett Laferty | 6,363 | 49.7 | |
| Total votes | 12,798 | 100.0 | ||
2018
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ashley Tackett Laferty | 8,154 | 57.7 | |
| Republican | Larry D. Brown (incumbent) | 5,974 | 42.3 | |
| Total votes | 14,128 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
2020
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ashley Tackett Laferty (incumbent) | 10,720 | 60.0 | |
| Republican | William Matt Reynolds | 7,149 | 40.0 | |
| Total votes | 17,869 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2022
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ashley Tackett Laferty (incumbent) | 8,775 | 59.8 | |
| Republican | Brandon Spencer | 5,890 | 40.2 | |
| Total votes | 14,665 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2024
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ashley Tackett Laferty (incumbent) | 10,721 | 56.3 | |
| Republican | Brandon Spencer | 8,330 | 43.7 | |
| Total votes | 19,051 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
References
- ^ Harbsmeier, Deborah; Kelly, Erin (May 30, 2025). "Democratic State Sen. Robin Webb switches party affiliation". Spectrum News. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
- ^ Kidd, Devin (1 January 2026). "Laferty announces she won't be filing for reelection to state House, will file for district judge seat". Appalachian News-Express. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ "Representative Ashley Tackett Laferty (D)". legislature.ky.gov. Archived from the original on 2020-01-18.
- ^ "Ashley Tackett Laferty". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- ^ Marie, Macy. "Ashley Laferty proud to win 95th district position". wymt.com. Archived from the original on 2021-07-11. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- ^ "Rep. Tackett Laferty, Ashley Sponsored Bills". apps.legislature.ky.gov. Kentucky General Assembly. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ^ Horsley, McKenna (March 5, 2025). "Kentucky House passes bill to eliminate DEI in state's public universities, colleges". Kentucky Lantern. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ Michels, Sarah (March 30, 2024). "Safer Kentucky Act heads to governor". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ Strouth, Kristi (October 21, 2022). "Candidates for 95th District Representative debate at Coal Run City Hall". Appalachian News-Express. Retrieved September 28, 2025.