Hancock County nurse and former Lewisport City Council member Wes Pate has won the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 14th District House seat and will advance to the general election in November.
Pate will face Democrat Donna Haynes in the race for the seat currently held by State Rep. Scott Lewis, who is not seeking reelection.
Speaking shortly after results were finalized Tuesday night, Pate said the victory still hadn’t fully sunk in as he spent the evening coaching his son’s baseball game.
“It’s very surreal,” Pate said. “I don’t know that it’s actually hit me yet. I gave my wife my phone and my watch because I just wanted to focus on watching my boy play, coaching him, and keeping my mind busy.”
Pate said he believes voters connected with his background, experience, and approach to campaigning.
“I think people are ready for the next generation of Kentuckians to step up,” he said. “Conservatives with new ideas and fresh perspectives.”
Pate pointed to his eight years on the Lewisport City Council, his work as a bedside nurse, and his efforts to campaign directly with voters throughout the district.
“We knocked on over 5,000 doors,” he said. “People appreciated that we put in the work and the time and wanted to get out and meet people.”
The 14th District includes all of Hancock and Ohio counties, along with portions of Daviess County, including Maceo, Knottsville, and Whitesville.
Pate said his immediate focus will shift briefly to supporting his wife, who is completing her psychiatric nurse practitioner training, before beginning the general election campaign.
“We’re going to rinse and repeat for the general and get out and start meeting the voters again,” he said. “We’re just excited for the opportunity, and we’re blessed.”
He also thanked voters for welcoming him throughout the campaign.
“The voters have invited us into their homes and shown us hospitality,” Pate said. “We’re very appreciative of their confidence and support.”
