Sen. Matt Castlen has decided he will not run for re-election in next year, saying he wants to devote more time to his family.
“There are few things I love as much as I do the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the community that I call home,” Castlen said. “It’s been a privilege to serve them both during my time as a Representative and Senator. As this season of public office comes to a close over the next year, I will be stepping back from seeking re-election in the next term.”
Castlen said he’s stepping back from the position to focus on raising his young children with his wife.
“I am blessed by God to be the father to three children who are growing so fast,” Castlen said. “It seems like the blink of an eye, and they are 11, 8, and 5 years old. They, along with my wife, Laura, are my priority. This time of life is quickly passing us by. I will be devoting my time and energy to our family, raising the next generation to love the Lord and love our nation.”
Despite his short history as Senator, Castlen wasted no time getting actively involved with legislation and has sponsored or co-sponsored numerous bills affecting local businesses and the community.
Most recently, he sponsored Senate Bill 1 in 2020, a piece of legislation that limited a governor’s powers during an emergency. It was the Senate’s top priority bill that session.
Another notable bill he sponsored was known as the Heartbeat Bill and was passed in 2019. Formally called Senate Bill 9, the law bans abortions in the Kentucky after a fetal heartbeat is detected – usually around the sixth week of pregnancy.
Castlen has represented District 8 in the Senate since he assumed office on Jan. 1, 2019. He defeated Bob Glenn in the general election on Nov. 6, 2018. Castlen’s current term ends on January 1, 2023.
Castlen first stepped into the political field at the state level as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing District 14 from 2017 to 2018 after defeating incumbent Tommy Thompson for that seat.
“I look back at my time in government, thankful to my Savior Jesus, thankful to my colleagues, and thankful to the constituents who supported me from day one,” Castlen said. “I look forward to my time with my family and to the future when Lord willing, I will serve the Commonwealth once again.”
