Laurie C. Campbell has officially filed to run for the Kentucky House of Representatives in District 7, saying she hopes to bring “listening, love, and lift” to Frankfort. She said she seeks to give Daviess Countians a choice on the ballot.
Campbell, a Democrat, will hold a formal campaign launch Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. The event precedes the Daviess County Democrats’ annual Senator Wendell Ford Celebration of Community Dinner.
A Louisville native and University of Louisville graduate with a degree in business administration, Campbell moved to Owensboro three decades ago with her husband, Duncan, a small business owner in the coal mining industry. Together they raised three children — Macauley, Malcolm, and Meredith.
Campbell has spent much of her career in education and community service. A former Daviess County Public Schools teacher, she worked 13 years teaching computer skills and digital citizenship to K–5 students and sponsored a student technology leadership club. She also served on multiple School-Based Decision Making Councils for 19 years and has been active on the Daviess County CASA and Junior League boards.
“The current representative has run unopposed for the last three election cycles,” Campbell said. “Daviess Countians say they want a choice. Voters should be able to select a candidate who truly represents their values and priorities.”
She said her campaign will focus on public education, responsible budgeting, and fair wages.
“As your representative, I support public money staying in public schools,” Campbell said. “I support Pre-K for All so kids are kindergarten-ready, and I support fully funding public education. As a former banker, I also know how to balance a budget and avoid wasteful spending.”
Campbell said her 19 years of serving on school councils taught her the importance of representing all people — even those who don’t share her personal beliefs.
“You represent everybody,” she said. “I walk through life respecting all people and their right to live life the way they want to live life.”
She added that her approach to leadership will prioritize civility and empathy.
“I don’t shout louder — I listen,” Campbell said. “I lead with love and lift, not hate or harm. I respect every citizen no matter where you come from or what you believe.”
She also referenced a quote from Ted Lasso that she said guides her philosophy: “Be curious, not judgmental.”
Campbell plans to stay connected with constituents through both traditional and personal outreach.
“For keeping in touch with constituents, of course, there’s email and phone,” she said. “But I will also be out in the community, looking to talk with constituents. As part of my work with the party, I have organized conversations out in the community to reach people where they are, and would like to continue that.”
Campbell said the timing was right for her first bid for state office after years of helping identify and recruit candidates through local Democratic efforts.
“Timing is always an issue for a lot of people,” she said. “It’s something that’s interested me for a while. My kids are grown, and traveling to Frankfort is not an issue for me.”
She said issues such as fair wages, child care affordability, and young family support are at the forefront of her campaign.
“Our wages have not kept up with the cost of inflation,” Campbell said. “Young families are doing more with less money. They deserve fair pay for the work they do and the chance to raise their families with dignity.”
District 7 includes the southern and western parts of Daviess County, extending toward the Ohio River and Henderson County. The seat is currently held by Rep. Suzanne Miles, a Republican.
Campbell, a graduate of the Emerge Kentucky Class of 2025, said she is committed to running a positive campaign rooted in respect and service.
“I want to continue to show up,” she said. “I’ll be visible, accessible, and focused on making sure every citizen feels heard and represented.”
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